Frame assemblies for optical fiber distribution elements

ABSTRACT

A mounting system for latching a cable management structure to a telecommunications fixture includes a first locking feature on the management structure defining first and second hook-like members separated apart, each defining a vertical slide portion and a larger vertical retention portion, the first locking feature including an elastically flexible latch between the first and second hook-like members. A second locking feature defining first and second slots is located on a planar wall of the telecommunications fixture, wherein the first and second slots define a receiver portion and a retention portion, the receiver portion for accommodating the retention portion of the hook-like members and the retention portion for accommodating the slide portion of the hook-like members, the second locking feature also defining a latch opening. The cable management structure also defines curvature that provides bend radius protection along at least two perpendicular planes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of PCT/EP2019/073275, filed on Aug.30, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.62/725,901, filed on Aug. 31, 2018, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extentappropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosedapplications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to optical fiber distribution systems,including frame assemblies and elements which populate such frameassemblies, and including components for managing and routing opticalfiber cables to and from the mounted elements.

BACKGROUND

Optical fiber distribution systems include fiber terminations and otherequipment which is typically frame or rack mounted. Various concernsexist for the optical fiber distribution systems, including density,ease of use, and cable management. There is a continuing need forimprovements in the optical fiber distribution area.

SUMMARY

Certain implementations of a system in accordance with the examples ofthe disclosure include telecommunications frame assemblies where theframes of the assemblies support a plurality of optical fiberdistribution elements, or other equipment and the cable routingassociated with such equipment.

In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications frameassembly comprising a frame for housing a first set of fiber opticdistribution devices in a vertically stacked arrangement on a right sideof the frame and a second set of fiber optic distribution devices in avertically stacked arrangement on a left side of the frame, wherein theframe defines top and bottom openings adjacent the outer edges of theframe at each of the right side and the left side for selectivelyleading cables to or from the fiber optic distribution devices to bemounted on the frame, the frame further defining a central verticaltrough extending from a central top opening defined by the frame,wherein radius limiters are provided in vertically stacked arrangementsat each of the right side and the left side of the frame for selectivelyguiding cabling between the first set and the second set of fiber opticdistribution devices, wherein the radius limiters allow cabling to passthrough the central trough between the right and left sides of the frameand/or into the central trough from either of the right and left sidesof the frame for selective routing from or to the central top opening,the frame further defining a bottom trough that extends horizontallybetween the right and left sides of the frame, wherein each of thebottom openings adjacent the outer edges of the frame at the right andleft sides communicate with the bottom trough and wherein the radiuslimiters at each of the right side and the left side of the frame alsoallow cabling to pass from the fiber optic distribution devices to thebottom trough.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunicationsframe assembly comprising a frame for housing a set of fiber opticdistribution devices in a vertically stacked arrangement along a centralportion of the frame, wherein the frame defines a vertical troughadjacent an outer edge at a right side of the devices and a verticaltrough adjacent an outer edge at a left side of the devices, wherein theframe defines top openings adjacent the outer edges of the frame at eachof the right side and the left side of the frame communicating with thevertical troughs for selectively leading cables to or from the fiberoptic distribution devices to be mounted at central portion of theframe, wherein at least one of the right side or the left side includesradius limiters provided in a vertically stacked arrangement within thevertical trough for leading cabling between the devices and the topopenings, wherein at least one of the right side or the left side isalso configured for mounting fiber fan-out fixation assemblies includingfiber fan-out holders and brackets for removably mounting the fiberfan-out holders within the vertical trough.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a mounting system forlatching a cable management structure to a telecommunications fixture soas to prevent relative sliding between the cable management structureand the telecommunications fixture and relative separation between thecable management structure and the telecommunications fixture that is ina direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the relativesliding. The mounting system comprises a first locking feature in theform of first and second hook-like members separated apart, eachdefining a vertical slide portion and a vertical retention portionhaving a larger profile than the slide portion, the first lockingfeature also including an elastically flexible latch positioned betweenthe first and second hook-like members and a second locking feature inthe form of first and second slots configured to align with the firstand second hook-like members of the first locking feature, wherein eachof the first and second slots defines a receiver portion and a retentionportion, wherein the receiver portion is sized to accommodate the largerretention portion of the hook-like member and the retention portion issized to accommodate the slide portion but not the larger retentionportion of the hook-like member, the second locking features alsodefining a latch opening configured to receive the flexible latch of thefirst locking feature for preventing relative sliding between the cablemanagement structure and the telecommunications fixture once thevertical slide portion of each hook-like member has been slid throughthe retention portion of each slot and the retention portion of eachhook-like member is out of alignment with the receiver portion of eachslot.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a cable managementstructure comprising a fixation portion including a locking feature inthe form of first and second hook-like members separated apart, eachdefining a vertical slide portion and a vertical retention portionhaving a larger profile than the slide portion, the locking feature alsoincluding an elastically flexible latch positioned between the first andsecond hook-like members and a bend radius protection portion extendingfrom the fixation portion, the bend radius protection portion defining acurved profile.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to telecommunicationsdevice fixation assembly comprising a bracket configured to be mountedto a telecommunications fixture, the bracket defining at least oneplanar wall, and a device holder configured to be removably mounted tothe bracket, the device holder defining a device holding portion and afixation portion, wherein the fixation portion defines at least onepocket configured to receive an edge of the planar wall of the bracket,the fixation portion further including an elastically flexible latchconfigured to snap fit to a portion of the planar wall of the bracket tofix the device holder to the bracket.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunicationsdevice holder for fixedly mounting a telecommunications device to afixture, the device holder comprising a device holding portion and afixation portion, wherein the fixation portion defines at least onepocket configured to receive an edge of a wall, the fixation portionfurther including an elastically flexible latch configured to abutagainst another edge of the wall that is spaced apart from the edge ofthe wall received by the at least one pocket.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a cable fixationstructure for fixing at least a portion of a fiber optic cable to atelecommunications fixture against strain relief, the structurecomprising a cable bracket portion and a base portion, wherein the cablebracket portion is configured for fixing the at least a portion of thefiber optic cable and the base is configured for routing fibersextending from the fiber optic cable, wherein the cable bracket portionis provided at an acute angle with respect to a vertical plane passingthrough a longitudinal axis defined by the base portion.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to cable fixationstructure for fixing at least a portion of a fiber optic cable to atelecommunications fixture against strain relief, the structurecomprising a base portion defining a series of pivot pins provided in astepped configuration and a series of latch pins provided in a steppedconfiguration spaced apart from and corresponding to the pivot pins anda cable clamp portion pivotally mounted on a selected one of the pivotpins and configured to be latched on a corresponding one of the latchpins to clamp a cable against the base, wherein the cable clamp portionis removable and remountable on a selected pivot pin and can be latchedon a corresponding latch pin depending upon the size and or the numberof cables being fixed by the cable fixation structure.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a cable managementstructure comprising a base portion for removable mounting on atelecommunications fixture, the base portion defining an upper guideportion and a lower guide portion separated by a cable channel, whereina transverse slit defined between the upper and lower guide portionscommunicates with the cable channel for insertion of cables into thechannel and a flexible portion that is elastically flexible and isbiased to cover at least a portion of the slit for retaining cableswithin the channel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with referenceto the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout thevarious views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a telecommunications frameassembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the frameassembly provided in the form of a cross-connect patching system;

FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of a telecommunicationsframe assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the frameassembly provided in the form of an inter-connect system;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an overlength bay that can be used between twoof the frame assemblies shown in FIG. 1 for guiding patch cablingbetween two of such frame assemblies;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1,shown populated with optical distribution elements;

FIG. 5 illustrates the right and left frames forming the cross-connectframe assembly of FIG. 1 separated from each other, where the frames ofthe cross-connect assembly of FIG. 5 are also shown as using a differenttype of overlength drums in the form of slide drums;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example cable patch routing between the right andleft frames of the cross-connect frame assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the cable patch routing physicallyshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a plurality of the cross-connect frame assemblies ofFIG. 1 provided in a side-to-side stacked arrangement;

FIG. 9 is an example of a fixed-length fiber optic patch cable that canbe patched between various elements on respective right and left framesof the cross-connect assembly of FIG. 1

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate the types of cables on the fixed side of theelements that can be paired with the jumpers that are provided on theflexible side of the elements in a given frame of the cross-connectassembly;

FIG. 14 is one example of the cable routing that can be used on thefixed side of a left frame of the cross-connect assembly, where thecables are directed from a top of the frame toward the elements;

FIG. 15 is another example of the cable routing that can be used on thefixed side of a left frame of the cross-connect assembly, where thecables are directed from a bottom of the frame toward the elements;

FIG. 16 is another example of the cable routing that can be used on thefixed side of a left frame of the cross-connect assembly, where thecables are directed from both the top and the bottom of the frame towardthe elements, the schematic illustrating the split point for the up ordown routing of the cables;

FIG. 17 is used to illustrate one example cable routing that can be usedon the fixed side of a right frame of the cross-connect assembly, wherethe cables are directed toward a bottom of the frame from the elements;

FIG. 18 is another example of the cable routing that can be used on thefixed side of a left frame of the cross-connect assembly, where thecables are directed from a top of the frame toward the elements andwhere the cables are trunk cables that are split out using fan-outsmounted to the frame;

FIG. 19 illustrates a similar routing to that shown in FIG. 18 for trunkcables, however on the fixed side of a right frame of the cross-connectassembly;

FIG. 20 illustrates an example cable routing that can be used on thefixed side of a left frame of the cross-connect assembly, where thecables are a combination of trunk cables that are split out usingfan-outs mounted to the frame, directed from a top of the frame towardthe elements and jumper cables directed to the elements from a bottom ofthe frame;

FIG. 21 illustrates an example cable routing for combination cablingsimilar to that shown in FIG. 20, where both the trunk cables and jumpercables are directed from a top of the frame toward the elements;

FIG. 22 illustrates an example cable routing for combination cablingsimilar to that shown in FIG. 21, where the jumper cables are directedto an upper set of distribution elements and trunk cables are directedto a lower set of distribution elements;

FIG. 23 illustrates an example cable routing for the fixed side of aleft frame of the cross-connect assembly where a plurality of elementson different levels receive fibers to be spliced from a single OSP cablefixed at the side of one of the elements in a grouping;

FIG. 24 illustrates an example cable routing similar to that shown inFIG. 23 for the fixed side of the right frame of the cross-connectassembly;

FIG. 25 illustrates the mounting of a group of elements where fibers tobe spliced from a single OSP cable fixed at the side of the one of theelements is routed to all of the elements in the group, where the lengthof cabling is provided with enough slack to accommodate the mounting;

FIG. 26 illustrates the positioning of the fan-outs that can be mountedon the left frame of the cross-connect assembly for the trunk cablescoming from a top of the frame;

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the left frame of thecross-connect assembly with an example fan-out fixation assembly beingused to break out trunk cables;

FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic showing the use of a combination of OSPsplice cables directed to from the bottom of the cross-connect assemblytoward the lower elements and trunk cables with fan-outs directed fromthe top of the cross-connect assembly toward the upper elements;

FIG. 29 illustrates a group of elements designated for splicing fibersfrom an OSP cable to other groups of elements within a frame at thefixed side of the cross-connect assembly;

FIG. 30 illustrates a top perspective view of an example dedicatedspliced element from the group shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 illustrates the central region of the cross-connect frameassembly where bundle collectors are used to guide cabling between theright and left frames of the cross-connect assembly and toward thebottom through of the cross-connect assembly;

FIG. 32 illustrates the overlength drums used adjacent the centralregion of the cross-connect frame assembly for guiding cabling from theflexible sides of the frames toward the bundle collectors shown in FIG.31;

FIG. 33 illustrates the use of the overlength bay shown in FIG. 3between two of the cross-connect frame assemblies for guiding patchcabling between two of such frame assemblies;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the overlength bay of FIG. 33 shown inisolation;

FIG. 35 illustrates the overlength bay of FIG. 34 in an unassembledconfiguration;

FIG. 36 illustrates the cross-connect assembly of FIG. 1 with pivotdoors mounted thereon;

FIG. 37 illustrates one of the doors of FIG. 36 in isolation;

FIG. 38 illustrates two cross-connect assemblies stacked in aside-by-side configuration with pivot doors mounted thereon;

FIG. 39 is a rear perspective of the door of FIG. 37 illustrating theflat-rod door latch system;

FIG. 40 illustrates a close-up view of the spring-loaded rods of thedoor latch system of FIG. 39, each of which is activated by thecorresponding door handle;

FIG. 41 illustrates one of the door mounts that are configured to bemounted on various locations on the frame assemblies of the presentdisclosure for receiving the pivot doors for the assemblies;

FIG. 42 illustrates another version of a rod receiver for mounting onthe door mounts of the frame assemblies;

FIG. 43 is a left perspective view of the inter-connect frame assemblyof FIG. 2;

FIG. 44 is a right perspective view of the inter-connect frame assemblyof FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 illustrates an example routing for cabling on the equipment sideof the inter-connect frame where a combination of hook drums andoverlength drums are used to guide cabling from the elements toward thetop of the frame;

FIGS. 46-52 illustrate the types of cables on the OSP side of theelements that can be paired with the types of cables on the equipmentside of the elements that are provided on the inter-connect frame;

FIG. 53 schematically illustrates one example of the cable routing thatcan be used on the inter-connect frame for trunk cables on the OSP sideand trunk cables on the equipment side;

FIG. 54 physically illustrates an example cable routing on the equipmentside of the inter-connect assembly;

FIG. 55 illustrates the inter-connect assembly of FIG. 2 with pivotdoors mounted thereon;

FIG. 56 illustrates an example cable routing on the cross-connectassembly of FIG. 1 using a combination of different types of overlengthdrums at the center of the assembly including fixed drums and slidedrums;

FIG. 57 illustrates the left frame of the cross-connect frame assemblyin an empty configuration without any of the mounted distributionelements, ready to be disassembled for packaging;

FIG. 58 illustrates the right frame of the cross-connect frame assemblyin an empty configuration without any of the mounted distributionelements, ready to be disassembled for packaging;

FIG. 59 illustrates the frame of the inter-connect assembly in an emptyconfiguration without any of the mounted distribution elements, ready tobe disassembled for packaging;

FIG. 60 illustrates another perspective view of the overlength bay,ready to be disassembled for packaging;

FIG. 61 illustrates another perspective view of the left frame of thecross-connect frame assembly, ready to be disassembled for packaging;

FIG. 62 illustrates the left frame of FIG. 61 in a disassembledconfiguration, ready for packaging;

FIG. 63 illustrates parts of the disassembled frame of FIG. 62 organizedfor placement into a packaging box;

FIG. 64 illustrates the packaging box for use in transporting the frameof FIGS. 61-63;

FIG. 65 is an alternative of a cross-connect frame assembly havingfeatures that are similar to that shown in FIG. 1, where the right andleft frames utilize separating fins for forced routing between theflexible sides of the frames;

FIG. 66 illustrates an example cable routing utilizing the separatingfins of the cross-connect frame assembly of FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 illustrates the separating fins of FIGS. 65-66 in closer detail;

FIG. 68 illustrates push-through type cable management structures thatcan be used with the separating fins of the cross-connect frame assemblyof FIGS. 65-67 for keeping cable bundles organized;

FIG. 69 illustrates a color-coding concept that can be used to keeptrack of the cable routings between the flexible sides of the frames onanother example cross-connect system;

FIG. 70 illustrates a front perspective view of an example cablemanagement structure that can be mounted to on certain locations of thevarious telecommunications frames shown in FIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 71 illustrates a rear perspective view of the cable managementstructure of FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 illustrates the cable management structure of FIG. 70 mounted ona wall defined by the various telecommunications frames of FIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 73 illustrates a rear side of the wall of FIG. 72 illustrating themounting interface between the wall and the cable management structure;

FIG. 74 illustrates a front perspective view of the fixation portion ofthe cable management structure of FIG. 70;

FIG. 75 illustrates a side view of the fixation portion of the cablemanagement structure of FIG. 70;

FIG. 76 is a bottom view of the fixation portion of the cable managementstructure of FIG. 70;

FIG. 77 illustrates an example of the cable management structure of FIG.70 with a different fixation portion;

FIG. 78 illustrates the cable management structure of FIGS. 70-76 from abottom perspective view;

FIG. 79 illustrates a plurality of cable management structures similarto those shown in FIGS. 70-77, wherein the flanges thereof include bentportions forming staggered openings for facilitating insertion of cableswhen the drums are provided in a vertically stacked arrangement;

FIG. 80 illustrates a plurality of another set of cable managementstructures similar to those shown in FIGS. 70-77, wherein the flangesthereof include angled profiles to form angled openings for facilitatinginsertion of cables when the drums are provided in a vertically stackedarrangement;

FIG. 81 illustrates another example of a cable management structure thatcan be mounted to on certain locations of the various telecommunicationsframes shown in FIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 82 illustrates a front perspective view of another example of acable management structure that can be mounted to on certain locationsof the various telecommunications frames shown in FIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 83 illustrates the cable management structure of FIG. 82 from arear perspective;

FIG. 84 illustrates two of the cable management structures of FIG. 82snapped-together in a side-by-side configuration;

FIG. 85 illustrates the two cable management structures of FIG. 82 in aseparated configuration along with a radius extender;

FIG. 86 illustrates the cable management structure of FIG. 82 with analternative version of a radius extender;

FIG. 87 illustrates a number of the cable management structures andradius extenders mounted on a part of the telecommunications frame ofFIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 88 illustrates another example of a cable management structure inthe form of a slide drum that can be mounted to on certain locations ofthe various telecommunications frames shown in FIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 89 illustrates the movable part of the slide drum of FIG. 88 in anextended position;

FIG. 90 is a rear perspective view of the slide drum of FIG. 88;

FIG. 91 illustrates the movable part of the slide drum removed from thefixed portion of the slide drum;

FIG. 92 is another perspective view of the movable part of the slidedrum removed from the fixed portion of the slide drum;

FIG. 93 illustrates a number of the slide drums of FIG. 88 mountedtogether in a vertically stacked configuration;

FIG. 94 is a top perspective view of the slide drum of FIG. 88;

FIG. 95 is a bottom perspective view of the slide drum of FIG. 88;

FIG. 96 illustrates another example of a cable management structure inthe form of a slide drum that can be mounted to on certain locations ofthe various telecommunications frames shown in FIGS. 1-69, wherein thefixed part is provided with an angle to a vertical wall such that themovable part moves both outwardly and upwardly with respect to the fixedpart of the slide drum, the movable part shown in an extended position;

FIG. 97 illustrates a side view of the cable management structure ofFIG. 96 with the movable part in a retracted position with respect tothe fixed part;

FIG. 98 illustrates the fixed part of the slide drum of FIG. 96 inisolation;

FIG. 99 illustrates the movable part of the slide drum of FIG. 96 inisolation;

FIG. 100 is a front perspective view of the cable management structureof FIG. 96 with the movable part in a retracted position with respect tothe fixed part;

FIG. 101 illustrates one of the optical distribution elements that canbe mounted on the various telecommunications frames shown in FIGS. 1-69with an example cable management structure having features that areexamples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosuremounted to a side thereof, wherein the cable management structure isconfigured for use on either side of one of the optical distributionelements for directing cabling away from or toward the opticaldistribution element;

FIG. 102 illustrates the cable management structure of FIG. 101 explodedoff the optical distribution element;

FIG. 103 illustrates a plurality of the cable management structuresshown in FIG. 101 shown mounted to sides of optical distributionelements in a vertically stacked arrangement;

FIG. 104 illustrates a side perspective view of the cable managementstructure of FIG. 101 in isolation;

FIG. 105 illustrates a rear perspective view of the cable managementstructure of FIG. 101;

FIG. 106 illustrates the cable management structure of FIG. 101 in anexploded configuration to show the removable parts thereof;

FIG. 107 is a side view of the cable management structure of FIG. 101;

FIG. 108 is a rear view of the cable management structure of FIG. 101;

FIG. 109 is an example of another embodiment of a cable managementstructure having features that are similar to that shown in FIGS.101-108;

FIG. 110 is a rear view of the cable management structure of FIG. 109;

FIG. 111 is an example of another embodiment of a cable managementstructure having features that are similar to that shown in FIGS.101-110;

FIG. 112 is a bottom perspective view of the cable management structureof FIG. 111;

FIG. 113 is an example of another embodiment of a cable managementstructure that can be mounted to the sides of the optical distributionelements shown in FIGS. 101-102;

FIG. 114 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a cablemanagement structure that can be mounted to the sides of the opticaldistribution elements shown in FIGS. 101-102;

FIG. 115 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a cablemanagement structure that can be mounted to the sides of the opticaldistribution elements shown in FIGS. 101-102;

FIG. 116 is a rear perspective view of the cable management structure ofFIG. 115;

FIG. 117 is an example of another embodiment of a cable managementstructure that can be mounted to the sides of the optical distributionelements shown in FIGS. 101-102;

FIG. 118 is an example of a cable management structure that can bemounted to on certain locations of the various telecommunications framesshown in FIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 119 is an example of another cable management structure that can bemounted to on certain locations of the various telecommunications framesshown in FIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 120 is an example of yet another version of a cable managementstructure that can be mounted to on certain locations of the varioustelecommunications frames shown in FIGS. 1-69;

FIG. 121 is an example of a strength member fixation structure havingfeatures that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 122 illustrates the cable bracket portion of the fixation structureof FIG. 121 in an exploded configuration;

FIG. 123 illustrates the base portion of the fixation structure of FIG.121 in an exploded configuration;

FIG. 124 schematically illustrates the mounting of the cable bracket tothe base of the fixation structure of FIG. 121;

FIG. 125 illustrates the cable bracket and the base of FIG. 124 in afully assembled configuration;

FIG. 126 illustrates a side perspective view of the fixation structureof FIG. 121 with the cable bracket in an upwardly angled orientation;

FIG. 127 illustrates one example of a tube holder that can be slidablyreceived by the base of the fixation structure of FIG. 121;

FIG. 128 illustrates another example of a tube holder that can beslidably received by the base of the fixation structure of FIG. 121;

FIG. 129 is an example of another embodiment of a strength memberfixation structure having features that are similar to that shown inFIGS. 121-128;

FIG. 130 illustrates a plurality of the strength member fixationstructure shown in FIG. 129 shown mounted to sides of opticaldistribution elements in a vertically stacked arrangement;

FIG. 131 illustrates one of the optical distribution elements inisolation with the fixation structure of FIG. 130 mounted thereon withthe cable bracket in an upwardly angled orientation;

FIG. 132 illustrates an optical distribution element in isolation withthe fixation structure of FIG. 130 mounted thereon with the cablebracket in a downwardly angled orientation;

FIG. 133 illustrates another stack of optical distribution elementssimilar to that shown in FIGS. 130-132 with a plurality of the strengthmember fixation structures of FIG. 129 mounted to the sides thereof;

FIG. 134 schematically illustrates a stack of optical distributionelements similar to that shown in FIG. 133 where the strength memberfixation structures are used to route fibers to respective elements fromcabling mounted at each of the elements;

FIG. 135 schematically illustrates a stack of optical distributionelements similar to that shown in FIG. 134 but using a single strengthmember fixation structure to route fibers from a single cable todifferent elements within the stack;

FIG. 136 schematically illustrates the use of the strength memberfixation structures of FIG. 129 for routing of a plurality of fibercarrying tubes of a single cable to different optical distributionelements in a stack;

FIG. 137 schematically illustrates the use of the strength memberfixation structures of FIG. 129 for routing the optical fibers of asingle cable to different optical distribution elements in a stack;

FIG. 138 is an example of another embodiment of a strength memberfixation structure having features that are similar to that shown inFIGS. 121-137 but utilizing a free-hinging design between the base andthe cable bracket;

FIG. 139 is another embodiment of a strength member fixation structureutilizing a free-hinging design between the base and the cable bracket;

FIG. 140 illustrates the strength member fixation structure of FIG. 139with the cable bracket at a downwardly angled orientation with respectto the base;

FIG. 141 illustrates the strength member fixation structure of FIG. 139with the cable bracket orientated along the same horizontal plane withrespect to the base;

FIG. 142 illustrates the strength member fixation structure of FIG. 139with the cable bracket at an upwardly angled orientation with respect tothe base;

FIG. 143 is another embodiment of a strength member fixation structurehaving features similar to those shown in FIGS. 121-142 but utilizing adesign where the cable bracket is integrally formed with and fixed tothe base portion of the fixation structure at an angled orientation;

FIG. 144 illustrates a side view of a plurality of the fixationstructures of FIG. 143 in a vertically stacked arrangement;

FIG. 145 illustrates a front perspective view of a plurality of thefixation structures of FIG. 143 in a vertically stacked arrangement;

FIG. 146 illustrates another perspective view of a plurality of thefixation structures of FIG. 143 in a vertically stacked arrangement;

FIG. 147 is another embodiment of a strength member fixation structurehaving features similar to those shown in FIGS. 121-146 but utilizing adesign where the cable bracket is integrally formed with and fixed tothe base portion of the fixation structure, wherein the cable bracketand the base are aligned along a horizontal plane and wherein the cablebracket forms an angle with the base along a vertical plane that goesthrough a longitudinal axis defined by the base;

FIG. 148 illustrates a side view of a plurality of the fixationstructures of FIG. 147 in a vertically stacked arrangement;

FIG. 149 illustrates a front perspective view of a plurality of thefixation structures of FIG. 147 in a vertically stacked arrangement;

FIG. 150 is an example of another embodiment of a strength memberfixation structure that provides a universal-type clamping mechanism foraccommodating different sizes and numbers of cabling, the fixationstructure shown in an exploded configuration;

FIG. 151 illustrates the strength member fixation structure of FIG. 150in an assembled configuration with the clamp portion in a pivoted downorientation with respect to the base for clamping a cable;

FIG. 152 illustrates the fixation structure of FIGS. 150-151 with theclamp portion in a non-clamped orientation;

FIG. 153 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example embodimentof the clamp portion of the fixation structure of FIGS. 150-152;

FIG. 154 illustrates a bottom perspective view of another exampleembodiment of the clamp portion of the fixation structure of FIGS.150-152;

FIGS. 155-158 illustrate fixation structure of FIGS. 150-152 in variousconfigurations for clamping various numbers and sizes of cables;

FIG. 159 is an example of a fan-out fixation assembly having featuresthat are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the presentdisclosure, the fixation assembly shown with a bracket and one fan-outholder mounted on the bracket;

FIG. 160 illustrates a rear perspective view of the fan-out holder ofthe fixation assembly of FIG. 159;

FIG. 161 illustrates a front perspective view of the fan-out holder ofthe fixation assembly of FIG. 159;

FIG. 162 illustrates a side view of the fan-out holder of the fixationassembly of FIG. 159;

FIG. 163 illustrates the fan-out fixation assembly of FIG. 159 with thebracket thereof fully populated with the fan-out holders thereof;

FIG. 164 is an example of another embodiment of a fan-out holder havingfeatures that are similar to that shown in FIGS. 160-162;

FIG. 165 is an example of yet another embodiment of a fan-out holderhaving features that are similar to that shown in FIG. 164;

FIG. 166 illustrates another embodiment of a fan-out fixation assemblyutilizing another bracket and fan-out holders;

FIG. 167 is a rear perspective view of one of the fan-out holders thatis used on the fan-out fixation assembly shown in FIG. 166;

FIG. 168 is a side perspective view of the fan-out holder of FIG. 167;

FIG. 169 illustrates the bracket of the fan-out fixation assembly ofFIG. 166 in isolation;

FIG. 170 illustrates the fan-out fixation assembly of FIG. 166 beingused to fix a fan-out device to a telecommunications fixture;

FIG. 171 illustrates another embodiment of a fan-out fixation assemblythat utilizes a double-sided design;

FIG. 172 is a side perspective view of one of the fan-out holders thatis used on the fan-out fixation assembly shown in FIG. 171;

FIG. 173 is an example of another embodiment of a fan-out holder havingfeatures that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 174 illustrates the fan-out holder of FIG. 173 from a rearperspective view; and

FIG. 175 illustrates a side view of the fan-out holder of FIG. 173.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

With reference to FIG. 1, an example of an optical distribution frame orrack assembly 110 is shown. According to the depicted embodiment, theframe assembly 110 is provided as a cross-connect frame assembly formedfrom the combination of a right frame 112 and a left frame 114. Thecross-connect frame assembly 110 is configured to allow interchangeablepatching between devices supported by the right frame 112 and devicessupported by the left frame 114.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example embodiment of an optical distributionframe or rack assembly 120 in accordance with the present disclosure.According to the depicted embodiment, the frame assembly 120 is providedas an inter-connect frame assembly that is designed for applicationswith little or no re-patching requirements, where the distributiondevices mounted on the frame 122 of the frame assembly 120 define anoutside plant (OSP) cable side 124 and an equipment cable side 126.

FIG. 3 illustrates an overlength bay 130 that can be used between two ofthe cross-connect frame assemblies 110 shown in FIG. 1.

As noted above, each of the right and left frames 112, 114 of either thecross-connect assembly 110 or the frame 122 of the inter-connectassembly 120 is configured to support a plurality of optical fiberdevices in the form of distribution elements 100, such as a slidingchassis type element. Such elements may be configured for use as patchpanels to connect patch cables entering one side of the element 100 toan incoming cable, such as a distribution cable or a feeder cableentering an opposite side of the element 100. Examples of such elements100 are described in PCT Patent Application Serial Nos.PCT/EP2014/051714, filed Jan. 29, 2014; PCT/EP2014/063717, filed Jun.27, 2014; and PCT/EP2015/066899, filed Jul. 23, 2015, the entireties ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

Each optical fiber distribution element 100 mounted to the opticaldistribution frame assemblies 110/120 is provided with a first side 102and an opposite second side 104 at which cables may enter or exit theelement 100.

The cross-connect assembly 110 is designed to allow patching betweenelements 100 supported by the right frame 112 and elements 100 supportedby the left frame 114, where the first side 102 (e.g., left side) ofeach of the elements 100 in the left frame 114 and the second side 104(e.g., right side) of each of the elements 100 in the right frame 112are considered the fixed sides of the cross-connect assembly 110 andwhere the center portion 115 of the cross-connect assembly 110 isdesigned as the flexible side allowing re-patching of cabling betweenthe elements 100 on the right and left frames 112, 114.

A number of cross-connect assemblies 110 can be stacked in aside-by-side configuration in a data center as shown in FIG. 8. Anoverlength bay such as the bay 130 illustrated in FIG. 3 can be usedbetween two cross-connect assemblies 110 as shown in FIG. 33.

As noted above, the frame assembly 120 shown in FIG. 2 is provided as aninter-connect frame assembly that is designed for applications withlittle or no re-patching requirements for the elements 100 housed withinits frame 122.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-33, examples of the cross-connect frameassembly 110 are illustrated. As shown, the cross-connect frame assembly110 may be formed by a combination of the right frame 112 and the leftframe 114 that are placed adjacent each other to facilitatecross-patching between the devices 100 mounted on the frames. It shouldbe noted that features discussed for the left frame 114 mirror those forthe right frame 112 and only one of the frames will be discussed indetail where applicable.

For a given frame, e.g., the left frame 114, the left side 113 of theframe 14 is designated as the fixed side and the right side 117 isdesignated as the flexible side, where interchangeable patching canoccur.

The frame 114 defines a rear wall 12 with fastener openings 132 for themounting of the distribution elements 100 in a vertically stackedarrangement.

The rear wall 12, at the left side 113 of the left frame 114 may alsoinclude fastener openings 34 for the mounting of fan-out holder brackets4002 as will be discussed in further detail below for mounting offan-outs.

The right side 117 of the left frame 114 closer to the center 115 of thecross-connect frame assembly 110 are provided a series of overlengthdrums 1000, arranged in a vertical column for managing cables extendingfrom the devices 100. The overlength drums 1000, as shown in FIGS. 6-7and as discussed in further detail below, are configured to guide cables5 from the devices 100 toward bundle collectors 1200 that are providedtoward a bottom 134 of the left frame 114. The bundle collectors 1200are also discussed in further detail below.

From the bundle collectors 1200 of the left frame 114, the patch cabling5 can be passed to the bundle collectors 1200 of the right frame 112.From the bundle collectors 1200, the patch cabling 5 can be routed overthe overlength drums 1000 provided on the right frame 112 and patched tothe elements 100 supported by the right frame 112.

Positioned underneath the overlength drums 1000 is provided a dividerwall 136 for keeping the cables 5 that are being routed up toward thedrums 1000 from the cables 5 being routed down from the drums 1000toward the bundle collectors 1200. FIG. 31 illustrates the centralregion 115 of the cross-connect frame assembly 110 where bundlecollectors 1200 are used to guide cabling between the right and leftframes 112, 114 of the cross-connect assembly 110 and toward a bottomthrough 40 of the cross-connect assembly 10. FIG. 32 illustrates theoverlength drums 1000 used adjacent the central region 115 of thecross-connect frame assembly 110 for guiding cabling 5 from the flexiblesides of the frames 112, 114 toward the bundle collectors 1200 shown inFIG. 31.

A bottom trough 140 defined by the cross-connect frame assembly 110 canbe used to route cables 5 between the right and left frames 112, 114along the bottom of the frame assembly 110. Horizontally positionedbundle collectors 1200 on the left and right frames 114, 112 aredesigned to guide cables 5 toward the bottom through 140.

As shown, the cross-connect frame assembly 110 defines a central opening142 at the top of the assembly 110 that leads in to a central trough 144for cables 5 to be routed out of the assembly 110. Both the centralopening 142 and the central trough 144 are formed by combining the rightand left frames 112, 114 in a side-by-side arrangement. Cabling 5 canselectively be routed through the bundle collectors 1200, within thecentral trough 144, and out the top of the frame assembly 110 throughthe central opening 142.

Each of the right and left frames 112, 114 of the cross-connect assemblyalso defines openings 146 at the outer sides both at the top and thebottom for incoming cables 5 to be routed to the fixed sides of theelements 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-33, the fixed sides of the frames 112, 114 mayutilize fan-out fixation assemblies 4000 for guiding cables 5 to theelements 100. Such fan-out fixation assemblies 4000 are discussed infurther detail below. And, at the outer sides of the elements 100,strength member fixation structures 3000 can be mounted to the elements100 for fixing cabling 5 to the fixed sides of the elements 100.Examples of such strength member fixation structures 3000 are discussedin further detail below.

Each of the fiber distribution elements 100 may include cable managementstructures 2000 that can be used on the flexible patching sides thereof.It should be noted that the cable management structure 2000 can bedesigned to be mounted on either side 102/104 of an element 100,depending on whether the element 100 is mounted on the right frame orthe left frame of the cross-connect assembly 110 since the flexible sideof the cross-connect assembly is positioned toward the center. The cablemanagement structures 2000 can also be used on either side of theinter-connect assembly 120 as discussed above.

The cable management structures 2000 are designed as push-through cablemanagement structures that keep cables 5 contained adjacent the elements100 while providing bend radius protection to cables 5 extending awayfrom the elements 100 as the cables 5 are guided toward the overlengthdrums 1000.

Examples of the cable management structures 2000 are discussed infurther detail below.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a cross-connect frame assembly 110 thatutilizes overlength drums in the form of slide drums 1300. Furtherdetails of such slide drums 1300 that provide an alternative cablerouting solution are discussed below.

As shown, each of the right and left frames 112, 114 of thecross-connect assembly 110 may also include door mounts 150. The doormounts 150 are configured to receive the spring-loaded rods 152 of pivotdoors 154 that can be used to cover and protect the internal parts ofthe cross-connect assembly 110 as shown in FIGS. 36-42 and discussed infurther detail below.

Regarding the cable routing provided by the cross-connect frame assembly10, FIG. 6 illustrates an example cable patch routing between the rightand left frames 112, 114 of the cross-connect frame assembly 110. FIG. 7schematically illustrates the cable patch routing physically shown inFIG. 6. The cross-connect frame assembly 110 is designed such that thecable routing features for guiding the cabling 5 between the devices 100on the left frame 114 and the devices on the right frame 112 allow theuse of fixed length fiber optic patch cables 5 between various elements100 on respective right and left frames 112, 114 of the cross-connectassembly 110. An example of a patch cable 5 is shown in FIG. 9.According to one example, the patch cable 5 used in the cross-connectassembly 110 may be about 4.5 meters or about 5 meters in length.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate the types of cables 5 on the fixed side of theelements 100 that can be paired with the jumpers 5 that are provided onthe flexible side of the elements 100 in a given frame 112/114 of thecross-connect assembly 110. FIG. 10 illustrates, for the fixed side, acable 5 where fibers extending from can be spliced to the connectorswithin the elements 100. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate, for the fixed side,trunk cables 5 that are broken out using fan-outs. FIG. 13 illustrates,for the fixed side, individual jumper cables 5 that can be extended tothe elements 100.

FIG. 14 is one example of the cable routing that can be used on thefixed side of a left frame 114 of the cross-connect assembly 110, wherethe cables 5 are directed from the top opening 146 of the frame 114toward the elements 100. FIG. 15 is another example of the cable routingthat can be used on the fixed side of a left frame 114 of thecross-connect assembly 110, where the cables 5 are directed from thebottom opening 146 of the frame 114 toward the elements 100. FIG. 16 isanother example of the cable routing that can be used on the fixed sideof a left frame 114 of the cross-connect assembly 110, where the cables5 are directed from both the top and the bottom openings 146 of theframe 114 toward the elements 100, the schematic illustrating the splitpoint for the up or down routing of the cables 5. FIG. 17 is used toillustrate one example cable routing that can be used on the fixed sideof a right frame 112 of the cross-connect assembly 110, where the cables5 are directed toward a bottom of the frame from the elements 100. Therouting illustrated in FIG. 17 essentially mirrors the routingillustrated in FIG. 14 for the left frame 114 of the cross-connectassembly 110. It should be noted that the routings illustrated in FIGS.15 and 16 for the left frame 114 can also be mirrored for the rightframe 112.

FIG. 18 is another example of the cable routing that can be used on thefixed side of a left frame 114 of the cross-connect assembly 110, wherethe cables 5 are directed from a top of the frame 114 toward theelements 100 and where the cables 5 are trunk cables that are split outusing fan-outs mounted with fan-out fixation assemblies 4000 to theframe 114. FIG. 19 illustrates a similar routing to that shown in FIG.18 for trunk cables 5, however on the fixed side of a right frame 112 ofthe cross-connect assembly 110.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example cable routing that can be used on thefixed side of a left frame 114 of the cross-connect assembly 110, wherethe cables 5 are a combination of trunk cables that are split out usingfan-outs mounted to the frame 114, directed from a top of the frame 114toward the elements 100 and jumper cables directed to the elements 100from a bottom of the frame 114. FIG. 21 illustrates an example cablerouting for combination cabling 5 similar to that shown in FIG. 20,where both the trunk cables and jumper cables are directed from a top ofthe frame 114 toward the elements 100.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example cable routing for combination cabling 5similar to that shown in FIG. 21, where the jumper cables are directedto an upper set of distribution elements 100 and trunk cables aredirected to a lower set of distribution elements 100.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example cable routing for the fixed side of aleft frame 114 of the cross-connect assembly 110 where a plurality ofelements 100 on different levels receive fibers to be spliced from asingle OSP cable 5 fixed at the side of one of the elements 100 in agrouping. FIG. 24 illustrates an example cable routing similar to thatshown in FIG. 23 for the fixed side of the right frame 112 of thecross-connect assembly 110.

FIG. 25 illustrates the mounting of a group of elements 100 where fibersto be spliced from a single OSP cable 5 fixed at the side of the one ofthe elements 100 is routed to all of the elements 100 in the group,where the length of cabling 5 is provided with enough slack toaccommodate the mounting.

FIG. 26 illustrates the positioning of the fan-outs using fixationassemblies 4000 that can be mounted on the left frame 114 of thecross-connect assembly 110 for the trunk cables coming from a top of theframe 114 and FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the left frame114 of the cross-connect assembly 110 with an example fan-out fixationassembly 4000 being used to break out trunk cables. As noted previously,examples of fan-out fixation assemblies 4000 that can be used on theframes 112, 114 is illustrated in FIGS. 159-175.

FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic showing the use of a combination of OSPsplice cables directed to from the bottom of the cross-connect assembly110 toward the lower elements 100 and trunk cables with fan-outsdirected from the top of the cross-connect assembly 110 toward the upperelements 100. FIG. 29 illustrates a group of elements 100 designated forsplicing fibers from an OSP cable to other groups of elements 100 withina frame 112/114 at the fixed side of the cross-connect assembly 110. Anexample of a dedicated splice element 100 is shown in FIG. 30.

As noted above, an overlength bay 130 can be used between two of thecross-connect frame assemblies 110. Such an overlength bay 130 isillustrated in FIG. 33 being used between two cross-connect assemblies110. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the overlength bay 130 of FIG. 33shown in isolation and FIG. 35 illustrates the overlength bay 130 ofFIG. 34 in an unassembled configuration. As shown, the overlength bay130 includes a column of the overlength drums 1000 that are provided ina vertically stacked arrangement with a bundle collector 1200 positionedtoward the bottom of the overlength bay 130. A bottom trough portion 131of the overlength bay 130 is designed to continue the troughing system140 provided by the cross-connect frame assemblies 110 when theoverlength bay 130 is positioned between them. Door mounts 150, similarto those used on the right and left frames 112, 114 of the cross-connectassembly 110 are also provided on the overlength bay 130 for providingcoverage for the internal features if needed.

The doors 154 for use on the frame assemblies 110, 120, 130 arediscussed herein with reference to FIGS. 36-42. The doors 154 includeupper and lower spring loaded rods 152 that are insertable into rodreceivers 156 that are provided on the door mounts 150. As shown, eachrod receiver 156 defines a channel 158 with a tapered surface 159 thatallows guiding of a door rod 152 into the channel 158 where thespring-loaded rod 152 can snap into a hinge opening 157 after ridingalong the tapered surface 159.

The spring-loaded rods 152 of the doors 154 allow the doors 154 to bepivotally opened in either direction. Each door 154 includes left andright squeeze handles 155. The handles 155 form part of a door latchsystem that allows a given door 154 to be pivotally opened in a selecteddirection. The pair of handles 155 on the right side of the door 154 arecoupled to upper and lower spring-loaded rods 152 on the right side.And, the pair of handles 155 on the left side of the door 154 arecoupled to upper and lower spring-loaded rods 152 on the left sidePressing a set of either the right or the left handles 155 toward eachother moves the upper rod 152 downwardly and moves the lower rod 152upwardly. When the rods 152 clear the hinge openings 157, the rods 152can move out of the channels 158 and the door 154 is free to swing out,pivoting about the rods 152 that are positioned on the opposite side.

In the same manner, the door 154 can be pivoted pivotally opened in theother direction. It should be noted that a door 154 can be entirelyremoved from a frame assembly 110/120/130 if both sets of handles 155 onthe right and left sides are squeezed together, removing all fourspring-loaded rods 152 from the hinge openings 157. FIG. 42 illustratesanother version of a rod receiver 153 for mounting on the door mounts150 of the frame assemblies 110/120/130.

It should be noted that the doors 154 for the inter-connect frame 120assembly can be configured similar to the doors 154 for thecross-connect assembly 110. However, as shown in FIG. 55, the doormounts 150 on the inter-connect frame 122 are mounted adjacent the floorin a data-center, and, thus, the doors 154 can extend all the way downto the floor since a bottom trough is not utilized in an inter-connectapplication.

The inter-connect frame assembly 120 is shown in closer detail in FIGS.2 and 43-54. As noted above, the inter-connect frame assembly 120 isdesigned for applications with little or no re-patching requirements,where the mounted distribution devices 100 define an OSP cable side 124and an equipment cable side 126.

In the depicted example, the left side of the inter-connect frame 122may be designated and configured as the OSP side 124 and the right sidemay be designated and configured as the equipment side 126. At both theOSP side 124 and the equipment side 126, the frame defines top openings172 for incoming and outgoing cables 5.

It should be noted that the left OSP side 124 of the inter-connect frame122 may be configured in a similar manner as the fixed side of theframes 112, 114 of the cross-connect assembly 110. The equipment side126 utilizes, in addition to overlength drums 1000 that are provided ina vertical stack, upper and lower hook drums 1100. The hook drums 1100are configured to guide cabling 5 from the elements 100 downwardly andaround the bottom sides of the overlength drums 1000 as shown in FIG.45. Dividers 174 can be provided to separate cables 5 coming from theelements 100 and cables 5 that have been routed around the hook drums1100. Examples of the hook drums 1100 are discussed in further detailbelow.

Fan-out fixation assemblies similar to fixation assemblies 4000 notedabove may be used at the right and left side 126, 124 of theinter-connect frame 122.

FIGS. 46-52 illustrate the types of cables 5 on the OSP side 124 of theelements 100 that can be paired with the types of cables 5 on theequipment side 126 of the elements 100 that are provided on theinter-connect frame 122.

As shown in FIG. 46, splice cables at the OSP side 124 can be pairedwith individual jumpers at the equipment side 126. As shown in FIG. 47,splice cables at the OSP side 124 can be paired with trunk cablesutilizing fan-outs at the equipment side 126. As shown in FIG. 48, trunkcables utilizing fan-outs at the OSP side 124 can be paired individualjumpers at the equipment side 126. As shown in FIGS. 49-51, trunk cablesutilizing fan-outs at the OSP side 124 can be paired with trunk cablesutilizing fan-outs at the equipment side 126. And, as shown in FIG. 52,trunk cables utilizing fan-outs at the OSP side 124 can be paired withindividual jumpers at the equipment side 126.

FIG. 53 schematically illustrates one example of the cable routing thatcan be used on the inter-connect frame 122 for trunk cables on the OSPside 124 and trunk cables on the equipment side 126. FIG. 54 physicallyillustrates an example cable routing on the equipment side 126 of theinter-connect assembly 120, where the hook drums 1100 and the overlengthdrums 1000 are illustrated as being utilized.

Referring now to FIGS. 56-69, alternative examples of either thecross-connect assembly or the inter-connect assembly and the modularpackaging for such assemblies is illustrated.

For example, FIG. 56 illustrates an example cable routing on thecross-connect assembly 110 using a combination of different types ofoverlength drums at the center of the assembly including fixed drums1000 and slide drums 1300.

FIGS. 57-64 relate to the packaging of the frame assemblies 110, 120,130 of the present disclosure. FIG. 57 illustrates the left frame 114 ofthe cross-connect frame assembly 110 in an empty configuration withoutany of the mounted distribution elements 100, ready to be disassembledfor packaging and FIG. 58 illustrates the right frame 112 of thecross-connect frame assembly 110 in an empty configuration without anyof the mounted distribution elements 100, ready to be disassembled forpackaging.

FIG. 59 illustrates the frame 122 of the inter-connect assembly 120 inan empty configuration without any of the mounted distribution elements100, ready to be disassembled for packaging. FIG. 60 illustrates anotherperspective view of the overlength bay 130, ready to be disassembled forpackaging. FIG. 61 illustrates another perspective view of the leftframe 114 of the cross-connect frame assembly 110, ready to bedisassembled for packaging. FIG. 62 illustrates the left frame 114 ofFIG. 61 in a disassembled configuration, ready for packaging. FIG. 63illustrates parts of the disassembled frame 114 of FIG. 62 organized forplacement into a packaging box 190. And, FIG. 64 illustrates thepackaging box 190 for use in transporting the frame 114 of FIGS. 61-63.

FIG. 65 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cross-connect frameassembly 210 having features that are similar to the assembly 110 shownin FIG. 1, where the right and left frames 212, 214 utilize separatingfins 220 for forced routing between the flexible sides of the frames212, 214. As shown, the fins 220 are designed to provide an error-proofmethod as the patch cables 5 are guided toward and around the overlengthdrums 1000 at the left and right frames 214, 212. Toward the center 215at each of the left and right frames 214, 212 are also provide verticaldividers 222 for keeping cabling 5 organized as the cabling 5 extendsaround further overlength drums 1000 provided at the center bottom ofthe frame assembly 210. FIG. 66 illustrates an example cable routingutilizing the separating fins 220 of the cross-connect frame assembly210 of FIG. 65 and FIG. 67 illustrates the separating fins 220 of FIGS.65-66 in closer detail.

FIG. 68 illustrates push-through type cable management structures 2700that can be used with the separating fins 220 of the cross-connect frameassembly 210 of FIGS. 65-67 for keeping cable bundles 5 organized. Suchcable management structures 2700 and similar structures utilizingpush-through designs are discussed below and illustrated in FIGS.118-120.

FIG. 69 illustrates a color-coding concept that can be used to keeptrack of the cable routings between the flexible sides of the frames312, 314 on another example of a cross-connect frame assembly 310.According to this concept, different colored cabling may be used fordesignating different routing directions. For example, according to oneexample, a color such as white may be used for cabling 5 going to orcoming from the bottom trough. Red could be used for cabling 5 going toor coming from the top trough. Green could be used for internal returnrouting. Yellow could be used to indicate cabling 5 going to or comingfrom an adjacent frame. Pink could be used for cabling 5 going to orcoming from a back side frame.

Referring now to FIGS. 70-100, the various cable management structuresthat are used in certain locations throughout the frame assemblies110/120 or on the overlength bay 130 are shown in closer detail.

FIGS. 70-76 illustrate one example of the overlength drum 1000 that isused on the frame assemblies 110/120 or on the overlength bay 130. Theoverlength drum 1000 is configured to be removably mounted to certainlocations on the frame assemblies 110/120 or on the overlength bay 130and is used to manage or support extra cable length or slack.

The designated frame walls 12 may be designed with a universal typemounting interface such that a given wall 12 can removably receivedifferent types of cable management structures depending on the cablemanagement need.

One example of a mounting interface between a given frame wall 12 and anexample overlength drum 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS.70-76. As shown in FIGS. 70-76, the mounting features that are providedon a frame wall 12 include a plurality of slots 14, each defining anupper wider portion 16 (i.e., receiver portion) and a lower narrowerportion 18 (i.e., retention portion). In the depicted example, two suchslots 14 are vertically aligned in a first column on the frame wall 12and two such slots 14 are vertically aligned on a second column spacedapart from the first column. Between the two columns is positioned alatch opening 20, the significance of which will be described in furtherdetail below.

The example of the overlength drum 1000 that will be used to describethe mounting mechanism between a frame wall 12 and the drum 1000 isshown in FIGS. 70-76.

As shown, the depicted overlength drum 1000 defines a fixation portion1002, a bend radius protection portion 1004 extending from the fixationportion 1002, and a cable retention portion 1006 positioned at the endof the bend radius protection portion 1004. With the cable retentionportion 1006 having both upward and downward extensions 1008, thedepicted overlength drum 1000 provides a generally T-shapedconfiguration.

The bend radius protection portion 1004 defines a generally cylindricalprofile providing the curvature needed for radius protection for cablesrouted on the overlength drum 1000.

The fixation portion 1002 defines the mating mounting features that aredesigned to mate with the mounting features that are provided on a framewall 12. The fixation portion 1002 includes a plurality of hook-likemembers 1010. Two hook-like members 1010 are vertically aligned in afirst column and two hook-like members 1010 are vertically aligned in asecond column spaced apart from the first column. Between the twocolumns is positioned a flexible latch 1012 with a retaining tab 1014extending rearward from the latch 1012.

Each hook-like member 1010 defines a vertical retention portion 1016that defines a larger profile. Each hook-like member 1010 also defines avertical slide portion 1018 that has a thinner profile than the verticalretention portion 1016, wherein the slide portion 1018 is orientedperpendicular to the retention portion 1016 and connects the retentionportion 1016 to a rear wall 1020 defined by the fixation portion 1002 ofthe overlength drum 1000. Each hook-like member 1010 also defines ahorizontal stop portion 1022 that is oriented perpendicular to both theslide portion 108 and the retention portion 1016, where the horizontalstop portion 1022 also connects the larger retention portion 1016 to therear wall 1020.

As shown, the vertical slide portion 1018 and the horizontal stopportion 1022 are connected to the vertical retention portion 1016 of thehook-like members 1010 such that they meet at the inner, upper corner ofthe retention portion 1016.

When the overlength drum 1000 is being mounted to a frame wall 12, thelarger vertical retention portions 1016 are aligned with and passedthrough the upper wider receiver portions 16 of the slots 14. Thehook-like members 1010 are then slid downwardly with the vertical slideportions 1018 sliding within the lower narrower retention portions 18 ofthe slots 14. The hook-like members 1010 are slid downwardly until thehorizontal stop portions 1022 abut the apertures forming the ends of thewider receiver portions 16 of the slots 14 to stop the slidable movementof the hook-like members 1010. When the hook-like members 1010 are beingslidably mounted, the flexible latch 1012 of the fixation portion 1002of the drum 1000 is elastically flexed, riding along the wall 12. At thepoint the horizontal stop portions 1022 abut the slot apertures,stopping the movement of the hook-like members 1010, the flexible latch1012 can flex back under a bias with the retaining tab 1014 snappinginto the latch opening 20 that is positioned in the middle of the twocolumns of slots 14 on the frame wall 12.

The mounting features essentially provide a dove-tail type mountinginterface between the frame wall 12 and the overlength drum 1000.However, the thinner vertical slide portions 1018 and the horizontalstop portions 1022 are formed at the edges of the larger retentionportion 1016 and meet at a corner of the retention portion 1016 toprovide extra stiffness to the hook-like members 1010. The upper widerportions 16 and the lower narrower portions 18 of the slots 14 areprovided to match the mounting features defined by the hook-like members1010.

When the hook-like members 1010 have been slid all the way down, thelarger retention portions 1016 overlap with the lower narrower portions18 of the slots 14 and abut an opposing side of the frame wall 12 toretain the hook-like members 1010 against the frame wall 12. Theretaining tab 1014 of the flexible latch 1012 abuts the upper edge 22 ofthe aperture defining the latching slot 14 to prevent unwanted upwardmovement of the drum 1000. If the drum 1000 needs to be removed, theretaining tab 1014 can be pushed away from the wall 12 toward the drum1000, elastically flexing the latch 1012, until the tab 1014 clears thewall 12, and the drum 1000 can be slid upwardly.

It should be noted that in the depicted embodiment, the fixation portion1002 of the drum 1000 defines a base 1024 that is large enough inperimeter to fully surround the mounting features of the fixationportion 1002. The base 1024 of the fixation portion 1002 abuts the framewall 12 and provides extra stiffness for protection against bendingforces on the drum 1000.

As shown, the flexible latch 1012 of the drum 1000 is fully surroundedby an aperture 1026 defined by the base 1024 of the fixation portion1002. Only the retaining tab 1014 protrudes out of the aperture 1026.The base 1024 fully surrounding the flexible latch 1012 limits pinchingof any fiber optic cables between the latch 1012 and the frame wall 12.

In certain examples, an additional fastener hole 1028 may be providedboth on the base 1024 defined by the fixation portion 1002 of the drum1000 and on the frame wall 12 for extra fastening and safety. Such anexample is shown in FIG. 77.

As also shown in an example in FIG. 78, the overlength drum 1000 mayalso define a longitudinal slot 1030 extending from the rear of the drum1000 toward the front. The longitudinal slot 1030 may be used to receivea central wall if the drum 1000 is going to be placed at the upper edgeof a separator wall or a different transversely extending wall structureon one of the frame assemblies 110/120 or on the overlength bay 130.

In certain other embodiments, flanges 1032 defined by the cableretention portions 1006 of the drums 1000 that are positioned at theends of the bend radius protection portions 1004 may define differentvarious shapes. As shown in FIG. 79, the flanges 1032 may include bentportions 1034 forming staggered openings 1036 for facilitating insertionof cables when the drums 1000 are provided in a vertically stackedarrangement.

As also shown in FIG. 80, the flanges 1032 may provide an angled profile1038 to form angled openings 1040 for facilitating insertion of cableswhen the drums 1000 are provided in a vertically stacked arrangement.

FIG. 81 illustrates an example of a hook-drum 1100 that can be used oncertain locations throughout the telecommunications frame assembly 20 ofthe present disclosure. It should be noted that the hook drum 1100includes the same mounting features that were discussed above withrespect to the overlength drum 1000 such that it can interface with theuniversal type mounting features provided on a given frame wall 10.

As shown, the hook drum 1100 defines bend radius protection along twoperpendicular planes. The bend radius protection portion 1104 extendingfrom the fixation portion 1102 provides bend radius protection along avertical plane. The flange 1132 defined by the cable retention portion1106 is also curved to provide bend radius protection along a horizontalplane that is perpendicular to the vertical plane. The drum 1100 isreferred to as a hook drum since essentially the entire cable retentionportion 1106 extends upwardly from the bend radius protection portion1104, forming a generally L-shaped configuration.

An example embodiment of the bundle collectors 1200 that are usedthroughout the cross-connect frame assemblies 110 or on the overlengthbay 130 is illustrated in FIGS. 82-87. As shown, the depicted bundlecollector 1200 defines a fixation portion 1202 that uses similarfeatures to those described above with respect to the overlength drums1000 and the hook drums 1100 for removably snap-fitting the bundlecollectors 1200 to a frame wall 12. In the depicted example, each bundlecollector 1200 includes two rows of hook-like members 1210 that arespaced apart further than those shown from the overlength and hook drumsand also two flexible latches 1212 positioned in the middle of thehook-like members 1210. As such, the bundle collectors 1200 are designedto be mounted to frame walls 12 that have mating mounting features.

Each bundle collector 1200 defines a rear bend radius protection portion1204 and right and left bend radius protection portions 1206, 1208 thatextend from the rear bend radius protection portion 1204. The right andleft bend radius protection portions 1206, 1208 define inwardlyextending portions 1210 that cooperatively form a cable insertion slot1211. As shown, with the rear portion 1204, the right and left portions1206, 1208 and the inwardly extending portions 1210 thereof, the bundlecollector 1200 defines a central cable channel 1213 with bend radiusprotection when leading cabling out in four different directions.

As shown in FIGS. 82-87, each bundle collector 1200 defines features formating in a side-to-side relationship with another bundle collector 1200to form a double bundle collector. Adjacent the front of each bundlecollector 1200, on opposite sides, are provided a dovetail tab 1215 anda dovetail slot 1217, respectively, for slidable mounting of a bundlecollector 1200 to a similarly configured bundle collector 1200.

Also, as shown, each of the right and left bend radius protectionportions 1206, 1208 of the bundle collector 1200 define snap openings1219 for selectively receiving radius extenders 1221 with a snap-fitinterlock.

When two bundle collectors 1200 are mounted next to each other or aradius extender 1221 is mounted to one of the bundle collectors 1200, afull circular drum is formed for providing bend radius protection tocables.

An alternative L-shaped edge protector or extender 1223 is shown inFIGS. 86-87, where the edge protector 1223 can be snap-fit to one of thebundle collectors 1200 using the snap openings 1219. The edge protectors1223 can be used in the manner shown in FIG. 87 to provide extraprotection for cable slack.

Now referring to FIGS. 88-95, one of the sliding drums 1300 that canalternatively be used throughout parts of the telecommunications frameassemblies 110/120 or on the overlength bay 130 is described in furtherdetail. As shown, the sliding drum 1300 defines a fixed part 1302 thatis configured to be mounted to a frame wall 12 and a movable part 1304that can slidably move away from the fixed 1302 part to facilitate cableaccess.

It should be noted that the fixed part 1302 defines a fixation portion1306 that may use similar mounting features to those described abovewith respect to the overlength drums 1000 and the hook drums 1100 forremovably snap-fitting the sliding drums 1300 to a frame wall 12.

The fixed part 1302 of the slide drum 1300 defines upper and lowersupport portions 1308, 1310 that extend from the fixation portion 1306.The upper and lower support portions 1308, 1310 receive and guide themovable part 1304 of the drum 1300.

As shown in FIGS. 88-95, the movable part 1304 is removably mounted tothe fixed part 1302 of the drum 1300 between the upper and lower supportportions 1308, 1310. The movable part 1304 defines a slide tab 1314 thathas a generally dovetail type structure (defining a connector portion1316 and a larger retention portion 1318) that can be inserted throughan opening 1320 at the upper support portion 1308. Once inserted throughthe opening 1320, the connector portion 1316 of the slide tab 1314slides along a narrow slit 1322 defined by the upper support portion1308. The retention portion 1318 of the slide tab 1314 preventsseparation of the slide tab 1314 from the narrow slit 1322 until it isaligned with the opening 1320. The narrow slit 1322 essentially definesa longitudinal track for the movement movable part 1304 of the drum1300.

The upper support portion 1308, at both ends of the narrow slit 1322,defines positive stops 1324 for abutting the retention portion 1318 ofthe slide tab 1314. The positive stops 1324 are also configured to formsnap-fit interlock structures 1326 for retaining the slide tab 1314 atthe ends of the track unless a force overcoming the frictional forceprovided by the snap-fit interlock structures 1326 starts moving themovable part 1304 of the drum 1300.

As shown, each of the upper and lower support portion 1308, 1310 definesintermating grip features 1330 for flexibly snap-fitting two of thedrums 1300 in a vertically stacked configuration. As shown, theintermating grip features 1330 on a lower support portion 1310 of agiven drum 1300 is oriented in an opposite orientation with respect tothe grip features 1330 on an upper support portion 1308 of a given drum1300 for providing the intermating capability.

As also shown, the lower support portion 1310 of the slide drum 1300 maydefine slots 1332 adjacent the front and the back that are used toreceive a central wall if the slide drum 1300 is going to be placed atthe upper edge of a separator wall or a different transversely extendingwall structure on one of the frame assemblies 110/120 or on theoverlength bay 130.

Another version of a slide drum 1400 is illustrated in FIGS. 96-100. Inthe version illustrated in FIGS. 96-100, the fixed part 1402 is providedwith an angle to a vertical frame wall 12 such that the movable part1404 moves both outwardly and upwardly with respect to the fixationportion 1406 of the drum 1400. In this manner, the movable part 1404,since it is at an angle, can automatically slide back to its unextendedposition under the weight of any cabling.

As shown, a finger grip 1407 could be added for facilitating movement ofthe movable part 1404. Also, a snap mechanism 1409 can be provided forretaining the movable part 1404 on the fixed part 1402 once the twoparts have been assembled together. As shown, the snap mechanism 1409may be formed by flexible cantilever arms 1411 that abut enlargedportions 1417 of a pair of rails 1413 of the movable part 1404, wherethe rails 1413 are designed to slide along slits 1415 provided on bothsides of the fixed part 1402.

In other embodiments, instead of providing an angle for automaticmovement of the movable part 1404, the movable part 1404 may include aspring-loaded design, where the spring provides a bias on the movablepart 1404 for automatically pulling the movable part 1404 back to itsoriginal position when a technician is done loading the drum 1400 withcabling or unloading the drum 1400.

Even though the above described cable management structures have beenillustrated and discussed herein as being used within thetelecommunications frame assemblies 110/120 or on the overlength bay 130of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the inventive aspectscan be utilized in any telecommunications fixture, such as a frame, apanel, or a rack, where cable slack needs to be managed, as long as thewalls of such fixtures are designed with the mounting features describedabove.

As discussed above, the cross-connect assembly 10 is designed to allowpatching between elements 100 supported by a right frame and elements100 supported by a left frame, where the first side 102 (e.g., leftside) of each of the elements in the left frame and the second side 104(e.g., right side) of each of the elements in the right frame areconsidered the fixed sides of the cross-connect assembly 10 and wherethe center portion of the cross-connect assembly 10 is designed as theflexible side allowing re-patching of cabling between the elements onthe right and left frames.

FIGS. 101-108 illustrate one example embodiment of a cable managementstructure 2000 that can be used on the flexible patching side of one ofthe fiber distribution elements housed by the cross-connect assembly 10.It should be noted that the cable management structure 2000 can bedesigned to be mounted on either side 102/104 of an element 100,depending on whether the element 100 is mounted on the right frame orthe left frame of the cross-connect assembly 10 since the flexible sideof the cross-connect assembly is positioned toward the center. The cablemanagement structures 2000 can also be used on either side of theinter-connect assembly 20 as discussed above.

The cable management structures 2000 are configured to be in avertically stacked arrangement when mounted to vertically stackedoptical fiber distribution elements 100.

As shown in FIGS. 101-108, each optical fiber distribution element 100is provided with mounting features 106 (e.g., slots) for slidablyreceiving the cable management structures 2000. As shown in FIGS.101-108, each cable management structure 2000 includes mounting features2002 that are configured to mate with the mounting features in the formof slots 106 provided on the optical fiber distribution elements 100 forsliding in and snap-fitting the cable management structures 2000 to theoptical fiber distribution elements 100. The mounting features 2002 ofthe cable management structure 2000 include a dovetail configuration2004 and are slidably inserted into the slots 106 of the optical fiberdistribution elements 100. A flexible tab 2006 provided at the rear sideof the cable management structure 2000 is used to latch and fix thecable management structure 2000 relative to the optical fiberdistribution element 100. The flexible tab 2006 is also used to unlatchthe cable management structure 2000 from the optical fiber distributionelement 100 before the dovetail structures 2004 are slid in a directionopposite to the insertion direction for removing the cable managementstructure 2000 from the slots 106 of the optical fiber distributionelement 100. It should be noted that the intermating mounting featuresof the optical fiber distribution elements 100 and the cable managementstructures 2000 are similar in form and function to that described inPCT Patent Application Serial Number PCT/EP2014/063717, filed Jun. 27,2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, andtherefore, further details relating thereto will not be discussedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 101-108, each cable management structure 2000 definesa cable guiding base portion 2010 and a movable clip portion 2012 forretaining cables. As noted above, the base portion 2010 defines themounting features 2002 for snap-fitting the cable management structure2000 to an optical fiber distribution element 100. As shown, the baseportion 2010 defines an upper guide portion 2014 and a lower guideportion 2016. Between the upper and lower guide portions 2014, 2016 isdefined a cable channel 2018 that extends from a front opening 2020 to arear opening 2022 of the cable management structure 2000. A slit 2024 isdefined between the upper guide portion 2014 and the lower guide portion2016 that allows cables to be inserted into the channel 2018. The slit2024 communicates with the cable channel 2018 and allows entry of cablesinto the channel 2018. Each of the upper and lower guide portions 2014,2016 defines radius limiting curves for leading fiber optic cablingeither upwardly or downwardly while providing bend limit protection tothe fibers of the cabling.

The movable clip portion 2012 is configured to close the slit 2024 forretaining the cables in the channel 2018. The movable clip portion 2012is also designed to facilitate insertion of cables into the channel 2018as will be discussed below.

The clip 2012 defines a fixation portion 2026 for snap fitting to thebase 2010 of the cable management structure 2000. An elongate portion2028 of the clip 2012 is elastically flexible with respect to thefixation portion 2026. The elongate portion 2028 allows the clip to beflexed under a bias. The clip 2012 is biased upwardly to close the slit2024. As shown, the elongate portion 2028 of the clip 2012 isaccommodated by a partition 2030 positioned at the lower guide portion2016. The partition 2030 allows the elongate portion 2028 of the clip2012 to be flexed between downward and upward directions.

A finger tab 2032 is defined at the end of the elongate portion 2028 ofthe clip 2012. The finger tab 2032 can be accessed by the finger of atechnician for flexing the clip 2012 downwardly. The finger tab 2032protrudes out slightly from side faces 2034 defined by the upper andlower guide portions 2014, 2016 for both facilitating the insertion ofcabling into the cable management structure 2000 and for access by thefinger of a technician in removal of cabling from the cable managementstructure 2000.

The finger tab 2032 defines a tapered side face 2036 and a tapered frontface 2038. The tapered faces 2036, 2038 allow cables to be inserted intothe slit 2024 and to automatically force the clip 2012 downwardly bycontact therewith as the cables are being fed into the channel 2018. Thetapered front face 2038 of the clip 2012 allows cabling that is beinginserted into the channel 2018 from the front opening 2020 toward therear opening 2022 to contact the clip 2012 and to start forcing the clip2012 to flex downwardly. Thus, the tapered surfaces 2036, 2038 of theclip 2012 are designed such that, when contacted by cabling along afirst direction, the tapered surfaces 2036, 2038 force movement of theflexible portion 2028 under a bias in a second direction that isdifferent than the first direction. In the shown example, the firstdirection is a lateral direction of the cables being inserted and thesecond direction is along an upward to downward direction for themovement of the clip 2012.

After insertion of the cable into the channel 2018, the movable clip2012 flexes upwardly under its inherent bias to retain the cables withinthe channel 2018. As shown, the elongate portion 2028 of the clip 2012also defines a certain amount of curvature that mates with the curvedportions of the upper and lower guide portions 2014, 2016 to assist withbend radius protection. As also shown, the clip 2012 defines a verticalwall 2040 at the opposing inner side 2042 of the finger tab 2032 that isconfigured to keep cables retained within the channel 2018. The verticalwall 2040 defines a lip 2044 that extends partially over the inner side2046 of the upper guide portion 2014 to provide extra protection againstunwanted removal of cables from the cable management structure 2000.

With the design thereof, including the flexible clip 2012, the cablemanagement structure 2000 acts as a push-in structure for facilitatinginsertion of the cables into the channel 2018. Due to the taperedsurfaces 2036, 2038 defined by the finger tab 2032, the cables simplyhave to be pushed toward the slit 2024 of the cable management structure2000 to automatically contact and flex the elongate portion 2028 of theclip 2012 downwardly. And, as noted above, after the clip 2012 hasbiased back to its original position, if the cables need to be removed,the clip 2012 has to be acted on by a technician to flex it down toexpose the slit 2024 for removal of the cables.

Referring now to FIGS. 109-110, an alternative embodiment of a cablemanagement structure 2100 is shown. The cable management structure 2100is similar in form and function to the cable management structure 2000illustrated in FIGS. 101-108 and described above and also includes aflexible clip 2112. In the version shown in FIGS. 109-110, a portion ofthe flexible clip 2112 forms a part of the lower guide 2116 and includescurvature for guiding cables transversely out of the channel 2118.

Another version of a cable management structure 2200 is illustrated inFIGS. 111-112, the version of the cable management structure 2200 shownin FIGS. 111-112 defines a cover portion 2212 with a finger tab 2232that has to be manually flexed downwardly in exposing the slit 2224 forinsertion of cables. The cable management structure 2200 does notdefined a separately formed clip portion. The cover portion 2212 isdesigned as being integrally formed with the lower guide portion 2216 asshown, where the cover portion 2212 is flexible enough to elasticallymove with respect to the upper guide portion 2214 to expose the slit2224.

FIG. 113 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a cablemanagement structure 2300. The version 2300 shown in FIG. 113 isdesigned as a push-in structure for insertion of the cables into thechannel 2318. Similar to the management structure 2200 shown in FIGS.111-112, the cable management structure 2300 does not have a separateflexible clip for covering the slit 2324. The lower guide portion 2316is elastically flexible with respect to the upper guide portion 2314.The lower guide portion 2316 is designed with an integrally formedblocker 2317 toward the rear end thereof. The blocker 2317 defines atapered face 2338 that tapers toward the front of the cable managementstructure 2300. The tapered face 2338 is designed to be automaticallycontacted by the cables for flexing of the lower guide portion 2316during insertion of cables. Due to the tapered surface 2338, the cablessimply have to be inserted into the slit 2324 and once the cablesapproach the rear end 2325 of the slit 2324, the lower guide portion2316 is automatically contacted and flexed downwardly for completeinsertion of the cables into the channel 2318. After insertion, thelower guide portion 2316 flexes upwardly with the blocker 2317preventing unwanted removal of cables from the channel 2318. The lowerguide portion 2316 defines a finger tab 2332 adjacent the blocker 2317for manual flexing of the lower guide portion 2316 for removal ofcables.

FIG. 114 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a cablemanagement structure 2400 that is provided as a push-in structure. Inthe version shown in FIG. 114, both the upper and lower guide portions2414, 2416 are flexible for receiving the cables into the channel 2418.The upper and lower guide portions 2414, 2416 cooperatively define anotch 2415 that guides the insertion of the cables into the channel2418. When the upper and lower guide portions 2414, 2416 are allowed tobias back to their original position, the upper and lower guides 2414,2416 abut each other to seal the side opening 2424 into the channel2418. In the version shown in FIG. 114, the upper and lower guideportions 2414, 2416 may be integrally formed as a single piece and canbe mounted to a base portion 2410 via a dovetail type interlockstructure 2412.

FIGS. 115-116 illustrate another embodiment of a cable managementstructure 2500 that is similar in form and function to the version 2400shown in FIG. 114. Similar to the version 2400 shown in FIG. 114, thecable management structure 2500 provides a push-in design where at leastone of the upper guide portion 2514 and the lower guide portion 2516 areelastically flexible.

FIG. 117 illustrates yet another embodiment of a cable managementstructure 2600 where at least a portion of the lower guide 2616 iselastically flexible in exposing the channel 2618 for insertion ofcables. As shown, the lower guide portion 2616 is provided with anintegrally formed finger tab 2632 that facilitates guiding of the cablesinto the slit 2624 and into the channel 2618. The finger tab 2632defines a face 2636 that tapers down sideways for contact with thecables. As the cables are pushed-in toward the slit 2624, the cablescontact the finger tab 2632 and automatically move the tab 2632downwardly for exposing the channel 2618 for insertion of the cables.

FIGS. 118-120 illustrate various alternative embodiments of cablemanagement structures that utilize the push-through concept in automaticinsertion of cables into a cable management channel and retainingtherein. As discussed below, some of the cable management structures maybe designed to be mounted to the optical fiber distribution elements 100themselves and some may be designed to be mounted to various locationsaround the frame assemblies 110/120.

FIG. 118 illustrates a version of a cable management structure 2700 thathas a rigid fixation portion 2710 that can be mounted to a fixture and apair of rubber flaps 2712 forming a push through portion for insertionof cabling into a channel 2718 defined by the rigid fixation portion2710.

FIG. 119 illustrates a version of a cable management structure 2800where a rigid fixation portion 2810 defines two separate vertical cablechannels 2818 a, 2818 b, each accessible via a push-through portion 2812formed by two flexible rubber flaps. As shown, at the exit of the secondchannel 2818 b are provided curved portions 2820 that provide bendradius protection both in the up and down direction and in the lateraldirection.

FIG. 120 illustrates a version of a cable management structure 2900 thatincludes a rigid fixation portion 2910, where the rigid fixation portion2910 is divided into two vertical channels 2918 separated by a curvedradius limiter 2920. Each of the adjacent channels 2918 are accessed viapush-through portions 2912 formed by two flexible rubber flaps similarto the embodiments discussed above.

As noted above, even though some of the cable management structures havebeen designed for routing cabling around the frame assemblies 110/120housing the optical fiber distribution elements 100, the push-throughconcepts can be used on the elements 100 themselves.

Even though the above described cable management structures have beenillustrated and discussed herein as being mounted to and used with theoptical fiber distribution elements 100 of the present disclosure, itshould be noted that the inventive cable management structures can beutilized in other telecommunications panels and fixtures. Thespecifically depicted devices are only exemplary and are used to conveythe inventive concepts provided by the cable management structures.

FIGS. 121-158 illustrate some example embodiments of strength memberfixation structures that can be used on the fixed side of one of thefiber distribution elements housed by either the cross-connect assembly10 or the inter-connect assembly 20 for fixing cabling to a side of theelement 100 and directing cabling into the elements. It should be notedthat the fixation structures can be designed to be mounted on eitherside 102/104 of an element 100, depending on whether the element 100 ismounted on the right frame or the left frame of the cross-connectassembly 10 since the fixed sides of the cross-connect assembly ispositioned toward the exterior. A similar scenario is applicable to theinter-connect assembly 20 depending upon which side of the elementrequires fixation.

In the depicted example, each optical fiber distribution element 100 isconfigured to receive an associated strength member fixation structuresuch that the fixation structures can be provided in a verticallystacked arrangement when mounted to vertically stacked optical fiberdistribution elements 100. In this manner, a cable carrying a largenumber of fibers can be fixed to a single fixation structure and theindividual fibers can be led to different elements 100 on the verticalstack utilizing the cable guiding features of the stacked fixationstructures. An example of an assembly that shows a given cable fixedwith respect to each element 100 is illustrated in FIG. 134. An exampleof an assembly where the fibers coming out of a single larger cable aredistributed to a plurality of elements 100 in a vertical stack isillustrated in FIG. 135.

Referring now to FIGS. 121-126, one specific example embodiment of astrength member fixation structure 3000 is illustrated. The depictedfixation structure 3000 includes a base 3002 and a cable bracket 3004.In the depicted example, the cable bracket 3004 is configured to bemounted to the base 3002 in one of two different angled orientations. Ina first orientation, the cable bracket 3004 is snap-fit such that thebracket 3004 is angled downwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis Ldefined by the base 3002 of the fixation structure 3000. In a secondorientation, the same cable bracket 3004 can be snap-fit to the base3002 such that the bracket 3004 is angled upwardly with respect to thelongitudinal axis L defined by the base 3002. The angled mounting of thebracket 3004 can be determined and selected by the needed cable routingextending toward the entry point of the optical distribution elements100. The angling of the cable bracket 3004 provides a smoothertransition from a vertically extending cable to a horizontal entryposition for the elements 1000.

According to one example embodiment, the cable brackets 3004 may beangled approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis Ldefined by the base 3002.

Still referring to FIGS. 121-126, the cable bracket 3004 definesmounting structures 3006 that intermate with mounting structures 3008provided on the base 3002 for the selective angled mounting of thebracket 3004.

The intermating mounting structures provided by the cable bracket andthe base for selective angled mounting of the cable bracket areillustrated in further detail in FIGS. 124-125. As shown, the rear end3010 of the base 3002 is provided with two angles walls 3012, eachdefining a pair of mounting slots 3014. Each mounting slot 3014 definesa wider receiver portion 3016 and a narrower retention portion 3018. Thecable bracket 3004 defines a pair of dovetail structures 3020 that areconfigured to align with the slots 3014 of a selected wall 3012 on thebase 3002. Each dovetail structure 3020 defines a stem portion 3022 anda larger retention portion 3024. In addition to the dovetail structures3022, the cable bracket 3004 also defines a flexible latch 3026 that isconfigured to snap fit into a latch opening 3028 provided on each of thetwo angled walls 3012 on the base 3002.

If the cable bracket 3004 needs to be angled down, the upper,downwardly-angled wall 3012 a is selected on the base 3002. If the cablebracket 3004 needs to be angled up, the lower, upwardly-angled wall 3012b is selected on the base. Once the desired mounting wall 3012 isselected on the base 3002, the retention portions 3024 of the dovetailstructures 3020 are aligned with and passed though the wider receiverportions 3016 of the slots 3014. The cable bracket 3004 is then slid ina front to rear direction bringing the retention portions 3024 of thedovetail structures 3020 out of alignment from the wider receiverportions 3016 of the slots 3014. In this manner, the cable bracket 3004is prevented from being removed from the base 3002. The sliding occursuntil the flexible latch 3026 flexes under a bias, snapping into thelatch opening 3028 that is positioned on the base 3002, locking thecable bracket 3004 in the desired angled orientation relative to thebase 3002.

It should be noted that the dovetail structures 3020 of the cablebracket 3004 define a generally triangular profile with opposing angledfaces 3030. The angled faces 3030 are designed to abut upper or lowerwalls 3013 of the base 3002 in providing rigidity to the angled mountingof the cable bracket 3004 relative to the base 3002. A fully mountedconfiguration is shown in FIG. 125.

If the cable bracket 3004 needs to be removed from the base 3002 toreverse the angled orientation, the flexible latch 3026 is pressed untilthe latch 3026 clears the latch opening 3028 and the dovetail structures3020 are slid in the rear to front direction.

Now referring back to FIGS. 121-123, as shown, the cable bracket 3004 isthe portion that initially receives the cable jacket before the fibersor tubes carrying the fibers are routed out for entry into the elements100. The cable bracket 3004 defines a cable channel 3032 that defines aturn portion 3034 for allowing cables to turn from a transversedirection toward the elements 100 to a parallel direction with respectto the elements 100. By the time the cable enters the base 3002 of thefixation structure 3000, the cable has transitioned to a position thatis generally parallel to the side of the optical distribution element(s)100.

The cable bracket 3004 may include an insert 3036 for providing grip tothe cable jacket adjacent the outer end 3038 of the bracket 3004. Incertain embodiments, the grip insert 3036 may be shaped to providefixation to certain types of cable jackets (e.g., flexible tube holdershaving a diameter of about 16 mm). Slots 3040 are provided foraccommodating cable-ties that may be used to fix various types of cablejackets of the cable to the bracket 3004.

A fixation clamp portion 3042 of the cable bracket 3004 for fixing astrength member of a cable is illustrated in FIG. 122. It should benoted that the configuration and functionality of the fixation clamp3042 is similar to that described in PCT Patent Application Serial Nos.PCT/EP2014/058196, filed Apr. 23, 2014 and PCT/EP2014/063717, filed Jun.27, 2014, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference,and therefore, further details relating thereto will not be discussedherein.

As shown, the fixation clamp 3042 is adjacent the inner end 3044 of thecable bracket 3004 and is positioned on the cable bracket 3004 prior tothe turn portion 3034.

As shown, a cover 3046 may be used to help guide the cabling from atransverse direction toward a parallel direction while providing bendradius protection. According to certain examples, the cover 3046 may betransparent.

The cable bracket 3004 is designed such that one or more methods ofcable fixation can be utilized using the cable bracket 3004. The gripinsert 3036 may provide fixation to the jacket of the cable in additionto the cable-ties. The aramid yarns of the strength members may beadditionally clamped by the fixation clamp 3042. In certain embodiments,simply the jacket of the cable can be fixed to the cable bracket 3004using the grip insert 3036 and cable-ties.

For example according to certain embodiments, 1 or 2 cables having adiameter between about 5-8.5 mm may be fixed by the grip insert 3036 andthe cable-ties, wherein the strength members may be clamped by thefixation clamp 3042. According to another example, if 3 or 4 of suchcables are being led to the distribution elements, just the jackets maybe fixed with the grip inserts 3036 and the cable-ties without thestrength member fixation.

If a cable having a diameter between about 8-15 mm is used, the cablebracket 3004 may be able to only accommodate a single cable, where thejacket of the cable and the strength member is fixed to the cablebracket 3004.

A flexible tube having a diameter of about 16 mm may be snap fit to thecable channel 3032 defined by the cable bracket 3004 and further fixedtherein by the cover 3046.

The base 3002 of the fixation structure 3000 is the part of the fixationstructure that is mountable to a side of a given optical distributionelement 100. As discussed above with respect to the cable managementstructures such as structures 2000 that are mounted at the exit side ofthe elements 100, each optical fiber distribution element 100 isprovided with mounting features 106 (e.g., slots) for slidably receivingsuch structures. Similar to the cable management structures 2000discussed above, the base 3002 of the fixation structure 3000 caninclude mounting features 3048 that are configured to mate with themounting features in the form of slots 106 provided on the optical fiberdistribution elements 100 for sliding in and snap-fitting the fixationstructures 3000 to the optical fiber distribution elements 100. Themounting features 3048 provided on the base 3002 can include a dovetailconfiguration 3050 and can be slidably inserted into the slots 106 ofthe optical fiber distribution elements 100 as discussed above in detailfor the cable management structures 2000. As shown, similarly, aflexible tab 3052 provided on the base 3002 may be used to latch and fixthe fixation structure 3000 relative to the optical fiber distributionelement 100. The flexible tab 3052 is also used to unlatch the fixationstructure 3000 from the optical fiber distribution element 100 beforethe dovetail structures 3050 are slid in a direction opposite to theinsertion direction for removing the fixation structure 3000 from theslots 106 of the optical fiber distribution element 100.

Still referring to the base portion 3002 of the fixation structure 3000,the base portion 3002 defines a set of rear groove plates 3054 and a setof front groove plates 3056. The base 3002 also defines a gap 3058between the front and rear groove plates 3056, 3054. The gap 3058 can beused to route fibers or tubes holding fibers upwardly or downwardly todifferent elements 100 on different levels. An example is shown in FIG.135 as noted previously. Radius limiters 3060 may be provided on thebase 3002 at the gap 3058 for providing bend radius protection whileleading fibers or tubes upwardly or downwardly.

Provided toward the front 3062 of the base 3002 is also a tube-holderreceiver 3064. The receiver 3064 is configured to slidably receive avariety of different tube holders 3066, where the configuration of thetube holders 3066 can be selected based on the different sizes of tubescarrying the fibers.

As shown in FIGS. 127-128, a plurality of tube holders 3066 can beslidably inserted into the tube-holder receiver 3064. The tube-holders3066 may be coupled with a dovetail type interlock 3068.

Similar to the cover 3046 shown for the cable bracket 3004, atransparent cover 3070 can also be used on the base 3002 to protect thefibers or the fiber holding tubes. The cover 3070, in the depictedexample, is snap fit to the base 3002 and is designed to generally coverthe gap 3058 provided on the base 3002.

Another strength member fixation structure 3100 similar in shape andfunction to the fixation structure 3000 is illustrated in FIGS. 121-126.The version 3100 illustrated in FIGS. 129-137 does not include a coverfor the base portion 3102 of the fixation structure 3100.

Now referring to FIG. 138, it should be noted that although theabove-described fixation structures 3000/3100 include cable brackets3004/3104 that are fixedly mounted to the base portions 3002/3102 at anangle, in certain other embodiments, the cable brackets and the basesmay define a free-hinging configuration. In such an embodiment of afixation structure 3200, the base 3202 and the cable bracket 3204cooperatively define a hinge structure 3205 rather than fixed angledmounting for allowing rotation to the cable bracket 3204 along an axisthat is parallel to the longitudinal axis L defined by the base 3202. Incertain embodiments, the movement can cover about a 120-degree path,extending from −60 degrees below a horizontal plane to +60 degrees abovea horizontal plane going through the longitudinal axis of the base 3202.

As shown, the cable bracket 3204 may include a covered tube or jacketholding portion 3233 adjacent the turn portion 3234. The jacket holdingportion 3233 may define a slit 3235 for insertion of fibers extendingout of the cable jacket once the jacket has been stripped and isdesigned to protect the fibers therein during pivotal movement of thecable bracket 3204.

Another similar free-hinging design is illustrated for the fixationstructure 3300 in FIGS. 139-142. In the cable bracket 3304 of thefixation structure 3300 illustrated in FIGS. 139-142, a curved wall 3333may be used to protect the fibers extending from the cable bracket 3304to the base 3302 during pivotal movement of the bracket 3304 withrespect to the base 3302.

In the free-hinging versions of the fixations structures 3200/3300illustrated in FIGS. 138-142, the base 3202/3302 may define integrallyformed tube holders adjacent the front end rather than a receiver forhousing separately inserted individual tube holders.

Even though the earlier versions of the strength member fixationstructure 3000/3100 shown in FIGS. 121-137 and described above provide afixed angle for the cable bracket 3004/3104 relative to the base3002/3102, the bracket 3004/3104 is still able to be removed from thebase 3002/3102 and selectively mounted in one of two desiredorientations. It should be noted that in certain embodiments, the cablebracket may simply be integrally formed with the base to provide apermanently angled mount. Such an example of a fixation structure 3400is shown in FIGS. 143-146. It should be noted that the fixationstructure 3400 may be provided in two versions, a downwardly angledversion and an upwardly angled version, depending on the needed routing.

Another version of a fixed integrally formed strength member fixationstructure 3500 is shown in FIGS. 147-149. In the version shown in FIGS.147-149, the cable bracket portion 3504 may be angled with respect tothe base 3502 but only along the same horizontal plane. Thisconfiguration still provides a smooth transition for cables coming froma transverse direction toward a parallel direction relative to the sidesof the distribution elements 100. The fixation structure 3500 shown inFIGS. 147-149 essentially provides the same routing as when thefree-hinging cable brackets 3204/3304 are horizontally aligned with thebases 3202/3302 in the versions shown in FIGS. 138-142. However, in thisversion, the routing is provided in a permanently fixed manner. Again,in the version of the fixation structure 3500 shown in FIGS. 147-149,the cable bracket 3504 may define a curved protection wall 3533 at theturn portion 3534 for protection and bend control of fibers or fiberholding tubes.

FIGS. 150-158 illustrate another version of a strength member fixationstructure 3600 that may be used with the optical fiber distributionelements 100 of the present disclosure.

The version of the strength member fixation structure 3600 shown inFIGS. 150-158 is a universal type fixation structure that can be used toaccommodate a variety of cable types, sizes, and diameters. The fixationstructure 3600 can also be used to fix different numbers of cables asshown.

The strength member fixation structure 3600 is designed to providestrength member and jacket fixation without the use of friction basedgrip inserts or cable-ties.

In the depicted embodiment, the fixation structure 3600 defines a base3602. The base 3602 is generally a U-shaped structure forming alongitudinal cable channel 3632 for receiving one or more cables. Thewalls 3612 of the U-shaped structure and the bottom 3614 of the cablechannel 3632 can form clamping surfaces as will be discussed.

Adjacent the front end 3616 of the base 3602 is provided a strengthmember clamp structure 3642 that is formed from a downwardly biasedmetal member 3644. The metal member 3644 defines hook portions 3646 forclamping the strength members against a top surface 3648 of the base3602 under the bias of the spring-based metal member 3644.

Along the sidewalls 3612 of the base are provided a series of pivot pins3650 in a stepped configuration as shown. Spaced from the pivot pins3650, toward the front end 3616 of the base 3602 are a series of latchpins 3652 provided in a matching stepped configuration similar to thepivot pins 3650.

A metallic clamp 3604 is configured to pivot about one of the pivot pins3650 and latch into a corresponding latch pin 3652 at the front 3616 ofthe base 3602 to capture and fix the outer jacket of a given cable.

As shown in FIGS. 153-154, the metallic clamp 3604 may include a biasedspring member 3605 for pushing on a cable. FIG. 153 illustrates aversion of the metallic clamp 3604 with a biased spring member 3605 thathas a snap-on insert 3607 for providing additional grip features 3609.Such grip features 3609, instead of being provided with a separateinsert, can be integrated into the spring member 3605 itself.

The pivotable metallic clamp 3604 is positioned on the base 3602depending upon the number of cables or the cable sizes that are beingfixed. Once an appropriate pivot pin 3650 is selected based on thenumber of cables or cable size, the clamp 3604 is pivoted down with alatch 3660 of the metallic clamp 3604 latching to a corresponding latchpin 3652 at the front 3616 of the base 3602.

The fixation structure 3600 is shown in various configurations inclamping various numbers and sizes of cables in FIGS. 155-158. As shown,even though the bottom 3614 of the cable channel 3632 may form aclamping surface in clamping smaller diameter cables, the verticalsidewalls 3612 defining the cable channel 3632 may also have chamferededges 3666 that are used to clamp either larger cables or cablesprovided in a side-by-side arrangement, as shown in FIGS. 155-158.

A fixation structure such as the structure 3600 shown in FIGS. 150-158can be provided with mounting features for mounting to a side of anoptical distribution element 100 similar to the versions discussedabove.

Even though the above described strength member fixation structures havebeen illustrated and discussed herein as being mounted to and used withthe optical fiber distribution elements 100 of the present disclosure,it should be noted that the inventive fixation structures can beutilized in other telecommunications panels and fixtures. Thespecifically depicted devices are only exemplary and are used to conveythe inventive concepts provided by the strength member fixationstructures.

Referring now to FIGS. 159-163, the fan-out fixation assemblies 4000that can be used in certain locations throughout the frame assemblies110/120 is shown in closer detail.

The fan-out fixation assembly 4000 includes a fixation bracket 4002 thatis configured to be mounted to portions of the frame assemblies 110/120at desired locations and fan-out holders 4004 that are configured to beremovably attached to the fixation bracket 4002.

As shown, the fixation bracket 4002, according to one embodiment,defines a generally U-shaped configuration with a rear wall 4006 and apair of sidewalls 4008 extending from the rear wall 4006. The rear wall4006 defines fastener openings 4010 for mounting to a wall defined byone of the telecommunications frame assemblies 110/120. The sidewalls4008 define upper and lower latching slots 4012, 4014 for receiving thefan-out holders 4004 with a snap-fit interlock as will be described infurther detail.

In the example embodiment shown, the sidewalls 4008 extending from therear wall 4006 of the bracket 4002 are spaced apart and provide room foraccommodation of the fan-out holders 4004 that are coupled to thebracket 4002. In this manner, the fan-out holders 4004 can behorizontally stacked on each sidewall 4008, where the fan-outs arepositioned toward the center of the bracket 4002.

The upper and lower slots 4012, 4014 provided on each sidewall 4008 maybe large enough to accommodate the latching structures of a plurality offan-out holders 4004 that are stacked along the sidewall 4008. And, asshown, a support divider 4016 may split a first upper slot 4012 a from asecond upper slot 4012 b on each sidewall 4008. Similarly, a supportdivider 4016 may split a first lower slot 4014 a from a second lowerslot 4014 b on each sidewall 4008. Each sidewall 4008 may also define alateral lip 4018 at top and bottom portions thereof that can abut a walldefined by the frame assemblies 110/120 and provide extra supportagainst bending.

Referring now specifically to the fan-out holders 4004, each fan-outholder 4004 defines a latch side 4020 and a fan-out holding side 4022.The fan-out holding side 4022 defines a generally curved pocket 4024 fornesting of the fan-out thereagainst. The pocket 4024 defines surfacetexturing 4026, in the form of a pin pattern according to the depictedexample, that helps with gripping the jacket of a fan-out. The surfacetexturing 4026 can help provide protection against jacket slip duringaxial pull or cable torsion. It should be noted that the type of surfacetexturing depicted in the given embodiments are only exemplary and othertypes of surface texturing can be provided.

The fan-out holding side 4022 also defines openings 4028 for receivingcable-ties 4030 for securing the fan-outs against the fan-out holders4004. Once the fan-outs are positioned within the pockets 4024, thecable-ties 4030 can be looped through the openings 4028 and around thefan-out jackets and tightened to secure the fan-outs to the holders4004. An example embodiment illustrating the use of the cable-ties 4030is shown in FIG. 170.

The latch side 4020 of the fan-out holder 4004 defines a pair ofhook-like members 4032, each having a horizontal portion 4034 and avertical portion 4036. The vertical portion 4036 is spaced apart from anabutment surface 4038 of the latch side 4020 such that the verticalportion 4036 forms a pocket 4040 for capturing the sidewall 4008 betweenthe vertical portion 4036 and the abutment surface 4038. As shown, theupper hook-like member 4032 is for placement over an upper top edge 4042defined by each sidewall 4008 and the lower hook-like member 4032 isspaced apart and positioned for placement over a lower top edge 4044defined on each sidewall 4008, where the upper top edge 4042 defines thebottom end of each upper slot 4012 on the sidewalls 4008 and the lowertop edge 4044 defines the bottom end of each lower slot 4014 on thesidewalls 4008.

Positioned between the spaced-apart hook-like members 4032 is a flexiblelatch 4046. The flexible latch 4046 extends past the abutment surface4038 of the latch side 4020 of the fan-out holder 4004 and is configuredto be flexed back against a bias when being mounted to the sidewall4008.

As shown, when each fan-out holder 4004 is being placed on a sidewall4008, the upper and the lower hook-like members 4032 are broughtadjacent a sidewall 4008. The upper hook-like member 4032 is alignedwith and passed through the upper slot 4012 and the lower hook-likemember 4032 is aligned with and passed through the lower slot 4014. And,then, the fan-out holder 4004 is slid vertically downward with theflexible latch 4046, having been flexed back and riding along the innerside of the sidewall 4008. When the flexible latch 4046 arrives at thelower slot 4014, the latch 4046 snaps laterally to be captured against alower bottom edge 4048 defined by the sidewall 4008, where the lowerbottom edge 4048 defines the top end of each lower slot 4014 on thesidewalls 4008.

The cooperation of the flexible latch 4046 and the hook-like members4032 keep the fan-out holders 4004 coupled to the sidewalls 4008. Asnoted above, a plurality of fan-out holders 4004 can be placed on eachsidewall 4008 in a horizontally stacked configuration as shown in FIG.163. In the depicted embodiment, the fan-out holding sides 4022 of thefan-out holders 4004 are positioned toward the center of the bracket4002.

If a fan-out or fan-out holder needs to be removed from the bracket4002, the latch 4046 can be flexed back laterally until the latch 4046clears the lower bottom edge 4048 of the sidewall 4008. Once the latch4046 clears the lower bottom edge 4048, the fan-out holder 4004 can beslidably lifted vertically to free the upper and lower hook-like members4032 from the sidewall 4008.

FIG. 164 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a fan-out holder 4104that can be used with a bracket 4002 such as that shown in FIGS. 159 and163. The fan-out holder 4104 is similar in form and function to theversion illustrated in FIGS. 159-163 and described above. In the versionshown in FIG. 164, a single upper hook-like portion 4132 is providedwhile the bottom portion of the fan-out holder 4104 defines anelastically flexible latch 4146. The flexible latch 4146 is generalbiased upwardly and defines a tab 4148 for latching the fan-out holder4104 against a bracket. When the fan-out holder 4104 is being mounted ona bracket such as the bracket 4002 shown in FIGS. 159 and 163, thehook-like portion 4132 is initially slid over a top edge of a sidewall4008 and moved vertically downwardly until the tab 4148 clears a bottomedge 4048 of a sidewall 4008 and snaps back upwardly to capture thebottom edge 4048 of the sidewall 4008 between the tab 4148 and theabutment surface 4138 defined by the fan-out holder 4104.

In the version of the fan-out holder 4104 shown in FIG. 164, if there isany pull on the fan-out, the pulling force is directly transferred onthe flexible latch 4146. The version of the fan-out holder 4004 shown inFIGS. 159-163 provides the advantage of transferring any pulling forceson the fan-out to the fixed portions of the fan-out holder 4004 such asthe upper and lower hook-like members 4032, while the flexible latch4046 is only used for latching the fan-out holder 4004 and does notexperience any of the applied forces.

Another version of a fan-out holder 4204 is illustrated in FIG. 165. Theversion of the fan-out holder 4204 is similar in form and function tothe version 4104 illustrated in FIG. 164 except that fixed stop surfaces4206 are provided on both sides of the flexible latch 4246. This versionprovides the advantage of the fixed stop surfaces 4206 being able toabsorb any axial pulling forces on the fan-out holder 4204 rather thantransferring the entire force to a flexible portion of the fan-outholder 4204 such as the elastic latch 4246.

Both of the versions 4104, 4204 shown in FIGS. 164-165 are removed froma bracket 4002 by flexing down the elastic latch until the tab clears abottom edge 4048 of a sidewall 4008.

Now referring to FIGS. 166-170, an alternative embodiment of a fan-outfixation assembly 4300 is illustrated. The fan-out fixation assembly4300 is similar in form and function to the assembly 4000 shown in FIGS.159-163 except for a few differences.

In the version of the fan-out fixation assembly 4300 shown in FIGS.166-170, the bracket 4302 is defined by a generally L-shaped structure,each defining a rear wall 4306 and a sidewall 4308 extending therefrom.

The rear wall 4306 defines fastener openings 4310 for mounting to a wall12 defined by the telecommunications frame assemblies 110/120. Thesidewall 4308 defines a plurality of latching slots 4312 that arediscretely spaced apart extending from the front toward the rear of thesidewall 4308.

The generally L-shaped bracket 4302 is designed such that two of thebrackets 4302 can be used in adjacent relationship together in anopposing configuration as shown in FIG. 166. The rear walls 4306 arepositioned in opposing directions while the sidewalls 4308 arepositioned adjacent together, leaving enough room therebetween for theaccommodation of the fan-out holders 4304, as will be discussed below.

In the use of the fan-out fixation assembly 4300 shown in FIGS. 166-170,the brackets 4302 and the fan-out holders 4304 are designed such thatthe fan-outs are generally positioned away from the sidewalls 4308,rather than toward the center of the bracket 4302 as in the embodimentof FIGS. 159-163.

Referring specifically to the fan-out holder 4304 in FIGS. 167-168 thatis used with the bracket 4302, each fan-out holder 4304 again defines alatch side 4320 and a fan-out holding side 4322. The fan-out holdingside 4322 defines a generally curved pocket 4324 for nesting of thefan-out thereagainst. The pocket 4324 defines surface texturing 4326, inthe form of ribs according to the depicted example, that helps withgripping the jacket of a fan-out. As noted above, the surface texturing4326 can help provide protection against jacket slip during axial pullor cable torsion. And, as also noted above, the type of surfacetexturing depicted in the given embodiments are only exemplary and othertypes of surface texturing can be provided.

Similar to the fan-out holders 4004, 4104, 4204 depicted in FIGS.159-165, the fan-out holding side 4322 also defines openings 4328 forreceiving cable-ties 4030 for securing the fan-outs against the fan-outholders 4304. Once the fan-outs are positioned within the pockets 4324,the cable-ties 4030 can be looped through the openings 4328 and aroundthe fan-out jackets and tightened to secure the fan-outs to the holders4304.

The latch side 4320 of the fan-out holder 4304 in FIGS. 167-168 definesa central slot 4340. A flexible latch 4346 extends partially into theslot 4340. The fan-out holder 4304 is designed such that the slot 4340receives the entire sidewall 4308 of the bracket 4302 as the fan-outholder 4304 is slid horizontally across the bracket 4302. The flexiblelatch 4346 defines a tab 4348 with a tapered face 4350 and a flatretention face 4352. The tapered face 4350 is configured for contactingportions of the sidewall 4308 of the bracket 4302 for flexing of thelatch 4346 while allowing sliding of the fan-out holder 4304 to adesired position on the sidewall 4308. Once the desired position isreached, the latch 4346 snaps back under a bias into one of the latchingslots 4312 with the flat retention face 4352 holding the fan-out holder4304 against the aperture defining the latching slot 4312.

A fully mounted fan-out holder 4304 is shown in FIG. 170 with thecable-ties 4030 used to fix the fan-out to the holder 4304.

Another alternative embodiment of a fan-out fixation assembly 4400 isillustrated in FIGS. 171-172. In the version illustrated in FIGS.171-172, the fan-out holder 4404 is provided as a double fan-out holderwith fan-out holding features on opposite sides of the holder 4404 and acentral slot 4440 for slidably receiving a sidewall 4408 of a bracket4402 as shown in FIG. 172. It should be noted that although the doublefan-out holder 4404 of FIGS. 171-172 has been depicted without a latchstructure, in certain embodiments, a latch structure may be incorporatedinto the holder 4404 similar to that shown in the version 4304 shown inFIGS. 167-168, if a respective slotted bracket is utilized.

Another alternative embodiment of a fan-out holder 4504 is illustratedin FIGS. 173-175. In the version shown in FIGS. 173-175, the fan-outholder 4504 and a cable-tie 4530 are integrated together. As shown, thefan-out holder 4504 may define upper and lower notches 4532 for mountingagainst opposing edges of a bracket or within vertically spaced-apartlatching slots. The body 4505 of the fan-out holder 4504 may be flexibleenough to bend portions of the holder 4504 when placing on a bracket. Asshown, an integrated cable-tie 4530 may be positioned to wrap-around afan-out that has been placed within the pocket 4524 defined at thefan-out holding side 4522 and inserted through a retaining structure4546 at the opposing side. Once the cable-tie 4530 has been wrappedaround the fan-out and inserted through the retaining structure 4546,the cable-tie 4530 may be cut to remove any excess length.

Even though the above described fan-out fixation assemblies and theassociated brackets and holders have been illustrated and discussedherein as being used within the telecommunications frame assemblies110/120 of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the inventiveaspects can be utilized in any telecommunications fixture, such as aframe, a panel, or a rack, where cable fan-outs are utilized, as long assuch fixtures are configured to receive the described brackets.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting system for latching a cable managementstructure to a telecommunications fixture so as to prevent relativesliding between the cable management structure and thetelecommunications fixture and relative separation between the cablemanagement structure and the telecommunications fixture that is in adirection generally perpendicular to the direction of the relativesliding, the mounting system comprising: a first locking feature in theform of first and second hook-like members separated apart, eachdefining a vertical slide portion and a vertical retention portionhaving a larger profile than the slide portion, the first lockingfeature also including an elastically flexible latch positioned betweenthe first and second hook-like members, wherein the first lockingfeature is located on the cable management structure; and a secondlocking feature in the form of first and second slots configured toalign with the first and second hook-like members of the first lockingfeature, wherein the second locking feature is located on a planar walldefined by the telecommunications fixture, wherein each of the first andsecond slots defines a receiver portion and a retention portion, whereinthe receiver portion is sized to accommodate the larger retentionportion of the hook-like member and the retention portion is sized toaccommodate the slide portion but not the larger retention portion ofthe hook-like member, the second locking features also defining a latchopening configured to receive the flexible latch of the first lockingfeature for preventing relative sliding between the cable managementstructure and the telecommunications fixture once the vertical slideportion of each hook-like member has been slid through the retentionportion of each slot and the retention portion of each hook-like memberis out of alignment with the receiver portion of each slot, wherein thecable management structure defines curvature for providing bend radiusprotection along at least two perpendicular planes and wherein the cablemanagement structure defines locking structures for locking two of thesame cable management structures in one of a side-by-side stackedarrangement or a vertically stacked arrangement.
 2. A mounting systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the first locking feature defines a firstcolumn of a plurality of the first hook-like members and a second columnof a plurality of the second hook-like members and the second lockingfeature defines a first column of a plurality of the first slots and asecond column of a plurality of the second slots.
 3. A mounting systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the first locking feature includes twospaced-apart elastically flexible latches positioned between the firstand second hook-like members.
 4. A mounting system according to claim 1,wherein the cable management structure defines a fixed portion includingthe first locking feature and a slidably movable portion that can bemoved outwardly from the fixed portion to facilitate access to cablingstored thereon.
 5. A mounting system according to claim 4, wherein themovable portion slides at an angle relative to a vertical plane.
 6. Acable management structure comprising: a fixation portion including alocking feature in the form of first and second hook-like membersseparated apart, each defining a vertical slide portion and a verticalretention portion having a larger profile than the slide portion, thelocking feature also including an elastically flexible latch positionedbetween the first and second hook-like members; and a bend radiusprotection portion extending from the fixation portion, wherein the bendradius protection portion defines curvature for providing bend radiusprotection along at least two perpendicular planes, wherein at least aportion of the bend radius protection portion is a fully cylindricalportion; wherein the cable management structure further comprises acable retention portion positioned at the end of the bend radiusprotection portion.
 7. A cable management structure according to claim6, further comprising a longitudinal slit extending along the bendradius protection portion configured for receiving an edge defined by aplanar wall.
 8. A cable management structure according to claim 6,wherein the bend radius protection portion is slidably movable relativeto the fixation portion for accessing cabling.